Since 2014, Forward Carers has worked to build Carer Friendly Communities across the UK — places where unpaid Carers are recognised, supported, and empowered to thrive. As we mark our tenth anniversary year and our 10th year of delivering services in 2025, we are proud to share our 10-Year Impact Report, showcasing the journey so far and the difference made in the lives of tens of thousands of Carers.
Our Mission
We exist to create Carer Friendly Communities by delivering innovative, solutions-focussed, place-based supported digitally and in person, to create Carer Friendly Communities across the country. As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, we reinvest every pound into our social purpose — ensuring Carers receive the visibility and support they deserve.
From our flagship Birmingham Carers Hub launched in 2015, to celebrated Hub and online services commissioned in Dorset, Walsall, Dudley and Wiltshire, and our expanding Carer Friendly Communities Programme, our work continues to grow in reach and impact.
A Decade of Impact — At a Glance
In the last ten years, Forward Carers has:
- Registered 41,746 Carers
- Delivered 153,566 one-to-one support sessions
- Provided £3 million in wellbeing grants
- Reached 500,000+ Carers through digital platforms
- Issued 4,645 Carer ID Cards
- Facilitated 4,041 groups and activities for 27,622 Carers
- Undertaken 13,898 statutory Carer’s assessments
- Distributed 5,516 Max Cards for family leisure
- Partnered with 80 community organisations and inspired 2,606 Carer Friendly businesses
Chantell Marler, Programme Director for Forward Carers said, “Behind every number is a journey. A Carer navigating health appointments, sleepless nights, uncertainty. A person putting someone else first, often without a roadmap or recognition. Over the past 10 years, Forward Carers and our strong Delivery Partnerships have worked to change that by placing the voice of Carers at the heart of what we do, creating a sense of Community and recognition for Carers and developing services that really make a difference.”
Our Difference:
- 97% of Carers rate our services as good or very good
- 72% feel more positive; 66% feel more confident in their caring role
- 71% report improved wellbeing
- 64% feel less isolated
- For every £1 invested, we generate a £11.56 return to the health and care economy*
What We Stand For
We’re a values-led organisation – we measure our success through the lens of our Values, which is why our Impact Review is formatted by our Values not our services. In the review, you can click on our Values videos to find out more about how we bring our Values to life.
Responding to Changing Times
Over the past decade, we’ve remained agile — responding to major societal challenges and emerging Carer needs. Highlights include:
- Maintaining 100% service continuity during COVID-19
- Launching digital inclusion support for isolated Carers
- Distributing £1 million in financial support to help with the cost-of-living crisis
- Creating the Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark to promote workplace inclusivity
- Creating a Carer Ambassadors Board alongside our Board of Directors to help ensure our services reflect the read needs and priorities of all Carers.
“When there was no Forward Carers, there was no recognition for Carers — but we’ve got it now.”
— Neely Darani, Carer Ambassador
Looking Ahead
This anniversary is not just a celebration of the past — it’s a launchpad for the future. With an ambitious team, dedicated partners, and a clear vision, Forward Carers is:
- Expanding services to new regions
- Scaling digital innovation to meet demand
- Strengthening support for working Carers
- Advocating nationally for Carer recognition
As the population ages and demands on unpaid Carers grow, our mission remains steadfast, but our approach will continue to evolve to meet changing needs and to keep pace with a changing society,
Join Us
📖 Review the 10-Year Impact Report & Watch our Carer Stories and Values in Action
🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn
🤝 Get in touch to partner with us to build a more Carer Friendly future (info@carerfriendly.org.uk)
To every Carer, colleague, funder, commissioner and community partner — thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the next 10 years!
