Did you know that Carers are seven times more likely to say they are always or often lonely compared with the general population?¹ Overall, 8 in 10 (81%) of all carers reported having ever felt lonely or isolated as a result of their caring role².

The loneliness carers experience is caused by a range of circumstances: they may be so busy that they have no time or energy left to see friends and other family, or they may drift away as life becomes so different from that of others. Carers financial situation may have changed so this can also impact on their social life. According to the Carers UK’s ‘Missing Out Research Briefing’ 75% of carers struggling to make ends meet cut back on seeing friends and family, leisure activities and hobbies to cope with their caring role. 61%³ of Carers said missing out on support put a strain on their relationships with friends and family.

One Carer commented

“It is lonely being a Carer and it hurts that former friends forget to visit. They don’t know how to cope with my husband’s altered state”

If you have a friend who is a Carer, watch this film clip from Carers UK and British Gas to get an insight into how they really feel.

National Send a Card to a Friend Day (February 7^th) provides an opportunity for you to show your friend how much you care about them. A small gesture like sending a card or an e-card can make any difference and could make your friend’s‚ day.

If you have a friend who is caring for a family member, get them to contact the Birmingham Carers Hub for support: 0333 006 9711, info@birminghamcarershub.org.uk

^{1, 2,3} Missing Out: Research briefing on the State of Caring 2019 survey