Carers Week is a national campaign that recognises the vital role unpaid carers play in our communities. This year’s Carers Week will take place from 8 to 14 June 2026.
This year the campaign is highlighting the impact carer friendly communities can have in making a real and lasting difference to the lives of carers everywhere. Carer friendly communities ensure carers are recognised, understood, and valued.
The campaign is taking this opportunity to raise awareness of the support that is available locally for unpaid carers. If you look after someone who couldn’t manage without your help – whether it’s a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour – you are a carer. This could be due to illness, disability, a mental health problem, or addiction.
Many people don’t see themselves as carers but recognising this can be the first step to getting support. There is support available locally to help you look after your wellbeing, take breaks, understand your rights, access welfare rights information, and connect with other people who are in similar situations.
A good place to start is Carers of East Lothian, which does an excellent job supporting and advising local carers. Take a look at their website – www.coel.org.uk – to view the variety of support available to carers.
You can contact them by emailing centre@coel.org.uk, by phoning 0131 665 0135 or by self-referring online at www.coel.org.uk/contact-us/online-referral-form/
If you are a young person caring for someone or you know someone who is a young carer you can find support by completing a brief questionnaire at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/young-carers or contacting youngcarers@eastlothian.gov.uk.
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. You don’t have to cope alone. Carers Week is a great time to explore the support that’s there for you.
Find out more about the activities available during Carers Week 2026 and how to get involved here.