Carers' contribitions will guide future policy

Carers Scotland launches State of Caring survey 2024 and is calling on carers to take part.

The charity estimates 800,000 people in Scotland provide unpaid care for a loved one who is older, disabled, or seriously ill.

Carers Scotland said: “The situations of each unpaid carer can vary greatly; from the number of hours they spend caring each week, to the geographical distance that their caring role spans. For lots of people, caring can feel like the right thing to do when a loved one needs support, but often it has an enormous personal impact that is underestimated by others.

It adds that more than half of carers (54%) have suffered physical ill health and 28% have bad or very bad mental health because of their caring role. 

More than a quarter (28%) struggle to make ends meet and a third have cut back on essentials like food and heating. Every single day, 600 people give up work to care.

“It’s thanks to carers telling us about their experiences that we are able to explain to politicians and policy makers the serious challenges they face, and fight for lasting change,” said the charity.

Carers Scotland added: “By completing the State of Caring survey carers in Scotland can help inform the most comprehensive study into experiences of looking after a loved one.  Every year the evidence in State of Caring in Scotland is a significant driver in helping Carers Scotland to challenge policy makers and politicians on what needs to change to support carers better.

“With the Scottish Government developing of a new National Care Service for social care and changes to social security in Scotland, there has never been more important for unpaid carers to share their experiences.”

Find out more about the survey and add your voice here