Looking Back - Carers Week 2025 with Making Space

Published 23 June 2025

Carers Week 2025 (9–15 June) has now come to a close – and what a week it was. Across the country, carers, communities, and colleagues came together to shine a spotlight on the vital role of unpaid carers and to recognise their incredible contribution to society.

At Making Space, we’ve been supporting unpaid carers for more than 40 years. This year’s theme, ‘Caring About Equality’, resonated deeply with us. It highlighted the real inequalities that carers continue to face – from financial hardship and isolation to a lack of accessible support – and it reminded us all of the importance of building a fairer, more inclusive society.

Lydia Woodall, Making Space Community Services Manager, said:

Carers Week is always a powerful reminder of just how essential carers are to our communities. This year, it was incredible to see so many events bringing people together, whether it was over a coffee, at the seaside, or during an afternoon of celebration. These moments might seem small, but they offer real connection, recognition, and support – and that can make a lasting difference to someone who spends so much of their time caring for others.

Throughout the week, our Community Division ran a full programme of events, offering both practical support and opportunities for carers to take a well-deserved break. Here’s a look back at the highlights from a memorable week.

The week began with a focus on workplace support. On Monday 9 June, Making Space colleagues took part in an online Lunch & Learn session with Carers UK, exploring the realities of being a working carer and introduced the support available through our membership with Employers for Carers.

Tuesday brought community connection to the forefront. In Peterborough, carers met for a warm and welcoming coffee morning at The Fleet, where they had the opportunity to talk with staff, access advice, and connect with peers. Meanwhile in Bradford, carers enjoyed a relaxed picnic at Horton Park, complete with lawn games and refreshments, a fun break from the pressures of caring. In Doncaster, Sandalwood Day Centre partnered with Wiltshire Farm Foods to deliver a delicious tasting event for carers and their families. Dishes like sweet and sour chicken, cottage pie and cinnamon buns were enjoyed alongside information about support services, all served with a generous helping of good company.

The sun was out on Wednesday, as carers supported by the Rotherham Dementia Support Service enjoyed a full-day trip to Cleethorpes. With fish and chips on the seafront and time to relax by the waves, the day was a welcome escape for carers and their loved ones.

Thursday was all about information and celebration. In Bolton, carers gathered at Albert Halls for a vibrant information and wellbeing event, organised in partnership with Bolton Carers and Adult Social Care. The event included a hospital wellbeing stall and was buzzing with support services, health providers, and carer networks. In Doncaster, the mood was festive at the Carer Celebration & Fashion Show, hosted by the 'We All Are One' group. Carers enjoyed food, music, dancing, a fashion show and plenty of fun, all while accessing valuable information from stalls on site. Over in Peterborough, the Mental Health Carers Service took part in a marketplace event aimed at unpaid carers, with stalls from wellbeing and health organisations offering essential guidance and support. Meanwhile in Calderdale, carers from the Silver Linings project enjoyed a change of scenery with a trip out for fish and chips. One attendee shared how special it felt: “It was lovely to go out for a meal with friends and loved ones – it’s not something we can do anymore.”

On Friday, the Family Support team in St Helens hosted a peaceful and much-appreciated afternoon tea for carers at a local community café. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, giving carers the chance to unwind and feel valued. “It was a lovely afternoon, thank you for organising – I think everyone had a good time,” one attendee shared.

The week concluded on a high with the Cheshire East Carers Week Fayre on Saturday 14 June, held at Sandbach Leisure Centre. The family-friendly event featured a marketplace of stalls, Tai Chi demonstrations, a soft play area for children, and carer-created displays – all bringing the local caring community together in celebration.

Lydia added:

Across every location, Carers Week was a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the importance of recognising those who care for others. Whether it was a chat over cake or a trip to the seaside, each event created a space where carers felt seen, supported and truly appreciated.

Throughout the week, we also shared powerful reflections from Making Space team members who are carers themselves. Their experiences brought heart and honesty to the campaign, reminding us that carers are all around us – sometimes quietly juggling it all.

“I’m not just ‘mum’ or ‘carer’, I’m me. Caring can be exhausting, but helping my family live full lives keeps me going. Working for an employer that truly understands unpaid carers has given me my identity back.”
Vicky – Bids Manager, Business Development

“Caring for my dad after losing my mum has been incredibly tough, but the flexibility and support from work have helped me keep going. It’s made it possible to be there for him and still hold on to myself.”
Toni - Volunteer Co-ordinator

“Being a carer just feels like being family but balancing that with a demanding job can be overwhelming. Having support at work and remembering to look after my own wellbeing has made all the difference.”
Daisy - People & Wellbeing Co-ordinator, People Services

“I cared for my mum until the very end, and now I’m there for my dad, just like they were always there for me. Caring is my purpose. If you're having a bad day, reach out, there's always someone who wants to help.”
Amanda - Team Leader, Rotherham Dementia Services & Carer Support

You can still read their full stories here (PDF).

Carers Week 2025 may be over, but the spirit of the campaign continues. At Making Space, we’re committed to ensuring carers feel seen, supported and valued all year round.

To every unpaid carer: thank you for all that you do. Your strength, compassion and resilience inspire us every day.

Explore our carers services and ongoing support here.

Visit www.carersweek.org to find out more and continue to follow the conversation using #CarersWeek.