Celebrating Carers Rights Day 2025: Making Space teams connect, empower and uplift carers across the country
Published 26 November 2025
Carers Rights Day took place on Thursday 20 November with this year’s theme, “Know your rights, use your rights.” Every day, around 12,000 people become unpaid carers - many without realising it - and may be unaware of the rights, support and protections available to them. Carers Rights Day aims to change that by raising awareness, strengthening confidence and ensuring carers feel seen, valued and informed.
Across Making Space, teams delivered a fantastic programme of events throughout November, bringing carers together for advice, wellbeing activities, celebration and community connection. Here are some of the highlights from right across the charity.
A vibrant celebration in Doncaster
The We All Are One Carers Support Group hosted a lively, day-long celebration at St Peter in Chains Church Hall. The event opened with a warm welcome from Making Space CEO Rachel Peacock and Deputy CEO Phil Orton, followed by contributions from local councillors highlighting the importance of carers’ rights.
The programme showcased a rich range of cultural performances - from live music and singing to Bollywood dance, a carers’ storytelling “red carpet” and contributions from BME United Doncaster and the Victorious Women Foundation. Carers enjoyed a vibrant, welcoming space to connect, share experiences and celebrate their diverse community.
Cheshire East Carers Hub brings organisations together
At Crewe’s Wishing Well, the Cheshire East Carers Hub welcomed carers of all ages to a Carers Rights Marketplace. With interactive displays, themed activities and a visit from the Mayor of Cheshire East, the event gave carers the chance to learn more about their rights, meet local services and find support tailored to their needs.
Unity in the Community in Bolton
Four carers joined the Bolton Carer Support Team at the Unity in the Community celebration at Memory Lane Hall. The multi-faith event offered entertainment, festive food and a warm, inclusive atmosphere where carers were able to connect with people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. It was a wonderful opportunity to share experiences, strengthen relationships and celebrate the area’s diverse communities.
Busy marketplace in Peterborough
The Peterborough Carers Wellbeing Service supported a well-attended Carers Rights Marketplace at the Peterborough City Care Centre, where carers met the team, spoke with local organisations and accessed trusted information about their rights and entitlements.
A special service relaunch in Peterborough
On 25 November, the Peterborough Carers Wellbeing Service also marked an exciting milestone: the relaunch of the service at KingsGate Conference Centre. Carers enjoyed a warm and welcoming morning packed with wellbeing activities, including henna art, hand massages, aromatherapy, interactive message boards and a buffet brunch. An NHS pop-up vaccination clinic was also available onsite. The event offered carers the chance to relax, share their experiences and learn about the enhanced support now available as part of the relaunched service.
Bradford and Airedale welcome the Deputy Lord Mayor
The Bradford and Airedale Carer Support Service enjoyed a fantastic turnout at their Carers Rights Day coffee morning at Victoria Hall in Saltaire. Carers and professionals came together to connect, chat and share experiences - and the team were honoured to welcome the Deputy Lord Mayor, Fozia Shaheen, who showed heartfelt appreciation for carers and community services.
Where to get support and advice:
Carers Rights Day may come once a year - but carers need support every day.
Local carer organisations:
There are over 130 local carer services within the Carers Trust network, providing tailored support and advice.
Carers UK:
Their comprehensive 'Looking After Someone' guide offers valuable information on financial help, workplace rights, benefits, and practical advice. Visit Carers UK for more help and expert advice on your rights as a carer.
Carer support at Making Space
Making Space offers various carer support projects across the UK, providing specialised help to carers - learn more here.
Getting the benefits you’re entitled to:
One of the most important rights for carers is ensuring you are financially supported through benefits. You could receive financial support through Carer’s Allowance, if you are eligible. To make sure you’re not missing out, it’s vital to get a proper benefit check. You can use an online Benefits Calculator to assess your eligibility:
Alternatively, you can speak to a local benefits advisor for personalised support. Find an advisor in your area using Advicelocal.
There are other ways you may be able to get help with your household finances – such as help with fuel costs, help with health costs, or by applying for certain loans or grants.
A carer’s assessment:
Everyone is entitled to a free carer’s assessment; it is a chance to discuss what services or support you need as a carer. The adult social services department of your local council provides carer’s assessments. The kind of help and support you can get include; respite, information on local carers support groups, help with caring, and any relevant equipment. Find out more at Carers UK.
Request flexible working from your employer:
All carers have the right to request flexible working, find out more at Carers UK.