The quiet struggles of unpaid carers in North Yorkshire

Across the county thousands of people quietly look after partners, parents, children, friends and neighbours. Most would never call themselves carers. They simply see it as something they do for someone they care about. But the reality is that these everyday acts of support hold our health and care system together.

North Yorkshire Council estimates that more than more than 53,000 people across the county provide unpaid care.Many give more than fifty hours of support each week, often while working or trying to manage their own health needs. The scale of their contribution is huge, and much of it goes unrecognised.

This picture reflects what is happening across the country. Carers UK’s latest reports show that unpaid carers provide support worth one hundred and eighty four billion pounds each year. Behind that figure are people who are tired, worried and often unsure where to turn for help.

Why this matters now

The 2025 State of Caring report paints a clear picture of what many are facing. Nationally, almost half of unpaid carers say they have cut back on food, heating or other essentials. Many feel anxious about money or are using their own savings to cover care related costs. Others say their physical and mental health has worsened. Most struggle to get enough rest. These pressures are increasing, and North Yorkshire is no exception.

People who speak to Healthwatch often describe trying to manage complicated care arrangements with little back up. Some talk about feeling isolated or unable to take a break. Others are balancing caring with work or looking after children, and the strain is affecting their wellbeing. Many people tell us they do not know what support they are entitled to or how to find it.

The report, A Fresh Approach to Supporting Unpaid Carers, sets out why a new approach is needed as the NHS plans for the next ten years. Only a small number of carers say they were asked about their own needs or their ability to continue caring when someone left hospital. Many want to feel included and informed rather than left to manage on their own. When services do not recognise carers early enough, families often carry more pressure than they should.

Listening to people who care

We want to hear from people in North Yorkshire who are helping others every day. Your experiences help us understand what is making life harder and what makes it easier. People often tell us they want:

• clear information without having to chase it
• practical support so they can take a break or look after their own health
• to feel recognised and valued
• services to talk to them early, not when things have already become difficult

Your voice can help shape the way local services work and help us highlight where change would make the biggest difference.

How to share your experience

If you look after someone at home or make sure they are safe and well, we want to hear from you. You do not have to give your name and what you tell us will not affect the support you or the person you care for receives. Every story helps us build a clearer picture of life for unpaid carers across North Yorkshire.

How to share your experience

If you look after someone at home or make sure they are safe and well, we want to hear from you. This might be a partner, family member, friend or neighbour. Share what you do, what challenges you face and what support you think would help.

You do not have to give your name and what you tell us will not affect the support you or the person you care for receives.

Every story helps us build a clearer picture of life for unpaid carers across North Yorkshire.

Support close to home

North Yorkshire has a range of organisations that support unpaid carers. They offer advice, emotional support, opportunities to meet others and information about services that may help. These include:

• Carers Plus Yorkshire which supports people in Hambleton, Richmondshire, Scarborough and Ryedale
• Carers’ Resource which provides information and support in Harrogate, Craven and Selby
• North Yorkshire Council which offers guidance on respite options, carer assessments and local services

Healthwatch North Yorkshire also shares information on support for older people, including caring responsibilities.

These local organisations play an important part in helping unpaid carers feel recognised and more able to continue caring safely.

What can help

Unpaid carers often tell us that small changes can make a real difference. This can be clearer information, help with day to day tasks, flexible working arrangements or easier ways to stay connected with people in similar situations. National research supports this. Carers say that early recognition, clearer communication from services and regular check ins with health professionals make caring safer and more manageable.

As more care takes place closer to home, carers must not be expected to carry this shift without support. The NHS ten year plan highlights opportunities to improve communication, strengthen community based support and make better use of digital tools. These ideas only work when carers are included from the start and their needs are recognised alongside the needs of the person they support.