What would make a difference?

Healthwatch Richmond, alongside a number of other organisations (collectively, the Richmond Carers Strategy Reference Group), undertook research on the views and experiences of unpaid carers. The research aimed to inform a new Richmond Carers and Young Carers Charter, which will set out the priorities that statutory authorities and voluntary organisations pledge to work towards to make sure that local unpaid carers are supported in a way that they need. Data were collected between 7 and 31 March 2025, via survey. A total of 257 people completed a survey.

The survey found that unpaid carers did not feel their role was appreciated, understood or recognised by professionals and wider society. Unpaid carers also struggled financially; many were unable to earn enough money through work and found the benefits system difficult to access. These issues were compounded by the increasing cost of living. The report notes the emotional toll that caring for someone has on people, and the difficulty in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Problems with accessibility and a lack of clear information from health and care services were also key issues for unpaid carers.