Looking back – Carers Week 2026 with Making Space
Published 17 June 2026
Carers Week 2026 may have come to an end, but the conversations, and celebrations that took place throughout the week will have a lasting impact. Across Making Space, carers, colleagues, volunteers and communities came together to recognise the incredible contribution unpaid carers make every day and to champion this year's theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities.
For more than 40 years, Making Space has supported unpaid carers across the country. This year's campaign highlighted the importance of creating communities where carers feel recognised, understood and supported – whether that's in workplaces, local services, community groups or everyday life.
Lydia Woodall, Head of Community Carers and Wellbeing at Making Space, said:
Carers Week is an important opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution unpaid carers make to families, communities and society every single day.
This year's theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, is about making sure carers feel understood, supported and able to access help without feeling isolated or overlooked. Many carers do not even identify themselves as carers at first, which can mean they miss out on valuable support, advice and opportunities to prioritise their own wellbeing.
Throughout the week, our teams created opportunities for carers to connect with others, access information, enjoy new experiences and take some well-deserved time for themselves. It was wonderful to see so many carers coming together and feeling valued, supported and celebrated.
The week began with a special Afternoon Tea hosted by our St Helens Family Support team at the Mercure Hotel in St Helens. Carers enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of conversation, refreshments and appreciation, with Gareth Davies, Associate Director of Development, and Kim Smith, Associate Director of Operations, joining the celebrations and thanking carers for the invaluable support they provide to loved ones every day.
Across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire, carers were invited to come together at a series of community events and picnics. Carers enjoyed time outdoors at Ferry Meadows and Riverside Park in St Neots, while teams also attended the Addenbrooke's Hospital Exhibition and the Peterborough City Council Carers Event at Sand Martin House. The event brought together carers and local organisations to share information, advice and support, alongside wellbeing activities including hand massages, Reiki and art therapy.
In Cheshire East, our Carers Hub team attended two Carers Marketplace events in Middlewich and Macclesfield in partnership with Cheshire East Adult Social Care. The events brought together local organisations offering information, advice and support, while carers and professionals also enjoyed wellbeing activities including relaxing hand massages.
In Doncaster, Sandalwood Day Centre hosted a welcoming afternoon tea and cakes event for carers. The afternoon provided an opportunity for carers to take a break, enjoy refreshments and spend time with others who understand the realities of caring.
Meanwhile, in Bradford and Airedale, carers enjoyed not one but two special events during the week. Around 30 carers came together for a picnic at Roberts Park in Saltaire, where even a mixture of sunshine and showers could not dampen spirits. The park's bandstand provided shelter as carers enjoyed lunch, conversation and companionship. Making Space CEO Rachel Peacock joined the event, spending time listening to carers and hearing about their experiences.
Later in the week, carers swapped picnic blankets for bowling lanes as they enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon at Shipley Bowling Alley joined by Deputy CEO Phil Orton. With tea, biscuits, plenty of laughter and even some first-time bowlers taking part, the event offered carers a chance to relax, try something new and connect with others.
Our Rotherham Dementia Carers Support Service organised a memorable day trip to Matlock for carers, people living with dementia, staff and volunteers. The trip was made possible thanks to the generosity of local carer Roger, who donated funds from his late wife Maureen's funeral collection. Thankfully the weather stayed dry, prompting Roger to reflect: "Maureen was looking down on us and kept the rain away." The day offered an opportunity for carers to enjoy friendship, fresh air and a well-earned break from their caring responsibilities.
In Bolton, the Mental Health Carers team hosted a popular Carers Recharge Session attended by around 50 carers. The event included bingo, a raffle and support from local partner organisations including GMMH, Healthwatch and Bolton Carers Support. The team also attended local carers events and delivered Carers MOT sessions, helping connect carers with advice, support and wellbeing resources.
Carers Week was also an opportunity to recognise the many carers within our own workforce. Following attendance at the National Carers UK Conference in London, Making Space highlighted the support available to colleagues balancing work alongside caring responsibilities, including flexible working options, Carer's Leave, our Wellbeing Passport and access to resources through our Employers for Carers membership.
Throughout the week, we also shared the story of colleague carer Chloe Cadman, Service Manager in Cheshire. Chloe has supported her mum from a young age and spoke about how caring has shaped both her personal life and career in social care.
A lot of people don't realise they are carers because they associate caring only with personal care, but caring can mean so many different things, from helping someone get to appointments to offering emotional support or simply being there when they need you.
Her story served as a powerful reminder that carers are all around us and that many people may not recognise themselves as carers despite the important role they play every day. You can read her full story here (pdf).
As Carers Week 2026 closes, we would like to thank every unpaid carer for the support, dedication and compassion they show each day. This year's activities demonstrated exactly what Building Carer Friendly Communities is all about – creating opportunities for carers to connect, access support, share experiences and feel recognised for everything they do.
Carers Week may be over, but our commitment to supporting carers continues throughout the year.
To find out more about Making Space's carers services, visit makingspace.co.uk/carers/carers
For more information about Carers Week and support available for carers, visit carersweek.org
#CarersWeek #BuildingCarerFriendlyCommunities