Carers Week 2025
Carers Week 2025
We held three events to celebrate Carers Week 2025 - covering the range of support that available to residents, including assistive technology, falls prevention, carers groups, learning disability, autism and dementia support and advice regarding finances.
What's an unpaid carer?
The term 'unpaid carer' may be unfamiliar to you and it may seem strange to be described as one. In the UK, millions of people provide unpaid care or support to an adult family member or friend, either in their own homes or somewhere else. We use the term 'Carer' to describe anyone who looks after someone or feels responsible for someone who cannot manage at home without some support. This may be because of illness, disability, mental ill-health, learning disabilities or problems with drug and alcohol misuse.
'Caring' for someone covers lots of different tasks, like helping with a person's washing, dressing or eating, taking them to regular appointments or keeping them company when they feel lonely or anxious.
Lots of people may not think of themselves as a carer, they just see it as taking care of their loved one. However, there's lots of support out there to help you regardless of how many people you look after, the type of help you provide, or the number of hours you spend caring.
Young carers at LEGOLAND
We’re delighted to celebrate Carers Week 2025 and thank unpaid carers across the borough for all the important and impactful work they do throughout the year. The theme for 2025 is Caring about Equality, recognising the inequalities carers face and highlighting their rights and the support available.
As part of the ongoing support to unpaid carers, the council has been working with local businesses to look at how the community can give back to carers and thank them for the amazing work they do.
A great example of this collaboration has been between the council and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, who donated 30 family tickets to our young carers and their families to enjoy a day out together.
In the Royal Borough, young carers work with Family Action to help identify support that helps them to balance their own lives with their caring role. The impact of a caring role can be long-lasting, with Action for Children reporting that over a quarter of young carers aged 11-15 regularly miss school, one in three feels stressed by their role, and 23% reporting that caring stopped them from making friends. Therefore, it is important that young carers and their families received early intervention that can help support them to reach their full potential.
Feedback from young carers and their families to the tickets were extremely positive. Sarah Collins, the Young Carers Service Manager at Family Action said:
“Our young carers play a vital role in looking after their families and often must take on lots of extra responsibilities compared to their peers. The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort tickets made an amazing impact on several of the families we work with, allowing young carers to have a break from their caring stresses and enjoy time with their families simply as children.
These opportunities are an important part of supporting young carers with the amazing work they do. We would like to extend a thanks to LEGOLAND Windsor Resort on behalf of the young carers we work with and hope there are more opportunities for working with them again to improve the lives of the children we help support.”
Ramesh Ganeson, Vice President, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, said: “We are proud to recognise the vital role that local carers play in our communities. Their tireless dedication and compassion have a profound impact on the lives of those they care for, often going above and beyond without seeking recognition. That's why we are so pleased that LEGOLAND Windsor Resort was able to contribute in giving these incredible individuals a well-deserved break and time with their family.
“It’s a small gesture of appreciation for the enormous difference they make every day. I and LEGOLAND Windsor team extend our heartfelt thanks to all carers – your work does not go unnoticed, and your commitment truly changes lives.”
Case Studies
Carers Week is a time to recognise the incredible dedication of those who care for others—whether they’re parents, partners, children, or friends. These four real-life stories highlight how timely support, practical advice, and a listening ear can make a world of difference.
Rebuilding Confidence – A Young Girl’s Journey with ASD and ERSA
A 10-year-old girl was struggling with suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Emotionally Related School Avoidance (ERSA). She often felt overwhelmed, displayed challenging behaviours, and had little sense of danger, sometimes running off when anxious. Her school attendance had dropped to just 12%, and she was becoming increasingly isolated.
With early intervention from CAMHS, and support from the Getting Help Team, an Educational Psychologist, and a Family Support Worker, things began to shift. Her parents joined the Incredible Years parenting course, and she started attending the Esteem Project and free art and special effects makeup classes at Norden Farm - activities that tapped into her love for creativity.
A wide range of resources were shared with the family, from sensory tools and social stories to autism support groups and online workshops. With the right adaptations in place, she’s now back in school full-time and thriving in her art classes. Her parents say they finally feel supported and understood.
Warmth and Relief – Supporting an Elderly Couple Through Financial Strain
When a 79-year-old man lost his Winter Fuel Payment, he and his wife, who has a pacemaker, stopped using their heating to save money. He also lives with osteoarthritis and leg ulcers, and his wife, despite her own health concerns, is his main carer.
Through Social Prescribing, they received help applying for Attendance Allowance and a £150 Household Support Fund. A referral to Adult Social Care led to a Carers Assessment, unlocking £250 payments for both his wife and son. They were also connected with Green Doctors for energy advice and damp issues, and his wife received help with her own benefits claim.
With this support, they were finally able to heat their home again. The patient said he was deeply grateful for the help—especially for services they hadn’t even known existed.
Empowering a Carer – Finding Balance and Support
A woman caring for her husband, whose mobility issues kept her housebound, was referred to Social Prescribing. She was exhausted and looking for ways to reconnect with others without compromising his safety.
She was introduced to online support groups and Lifeline alarms, and with her husband’s consent, Occupational Therapy arranged equipment to support both of them. A care needs assessment followed, along with resources to help her manage stress and avoid burnout.
She later shared her experience at a Carers Event, saying the support had made a real difference. She’s still in touch with her Social Prescriber as she plans for the future.
Uncovering Hidden Entitlements – A Lifeline for a Long-Term Carer
A patient referred for a gym programme due to fall risks revealed a deeper story. Her mother, who was still working past retirement age, was also her full-time carer, but had no idea what support she was entitled to.
After a carer’s self-assessment and a referral to the Financial Inclusion Team, she was found eligible for a Council Tax Reduction refund going back 18 years. The unexpected windfall gave her the freedom to consider retirement or invest in much-needed home adaptations. She was overwhelmed with gratitude, saying the support had changed everything.
If you require support, please register with your GP and reach out to the Front Door Team to discuss your circumstances.
Email adultsocialcarefrontdoor@rbwm.gov.uk or call 01628 683744.
June Events:
| What? | When & Where? |
|---|---|
| Carers Health Bus (in association with Berkshire Health Foundation Trust). Come along and speak to our social prescribers and the front door team about how we can help support you. | Monday 9th June, 10am-3pm (Car Park 6, Ascot) |
| Carers Expo Event. Come along and speak to a range of services and organisations about the support that's available in the borough. Find out about how assistive technology can help you, talk to someone about a carers' assessment and come and have a cup of tea with other carers. | Tuesday 10th June, 2pm-6pm (Braywick Leisure Centre) |
| Carers Expo Event. Come along and speak to a range of services and organisations about the support that's available in the borough. Find out about how assistive technology can help you, talk to someone about a carers' assessment and come and have a cup of tea with other carers. | Wednesday 11th June, 2pm-6pm (Windsor Leisure Centre) |
Getting there:
If you need assistance reaching the events you may be able to use one of the following services:
Ascot Volunteer Bureau - for more information visit their website (external link)
Maidenhead Care - for more information visit their website (external link)
Windsor Voluntary Cars - for more information visit their website (external link)
People to Places - for more information visit their website (external link)
If you would information about the bus route you can use the bus services map.
