caba marks Carers Week by spotlighting support available to hidden unpaid caregivers
• Charity launches ‘Carers Support Service’ package
• Past two decades sees more than 70% increase in unpaid caring responsibilities in UK
• caba evidence indicates carers within the ICAEW community are more likely to experience stress, burnout and financial difficulties
To mark Carers Week (8th to June 14th), caba is calling for unpaid carers within the ICAEW community to secure support available to them. The charity recognises the challenges faced by carers and wants to make sure they have access to book a confidential one-to-one check-in with their team. The 'Carers Support Service' offers a space for people in the industry to connect with caba to help them navigate the financial, emotional and practical care support available.
The emphasis on timely support comes as unpaid caring responsibilities continue to rise sharply across the UK. Over the past two decades, the number of adults providing more than 35 hours of care each week for a loved one has increased significantly (more than 70%)1, with an estimated five million people currently providing unpaid care in England and Wales2.
For many carers, the impact is profound. Research shows nearly four in 10 adults caring for an elderly relative have reduced their working hours or left employment altogether. Unpaid carers also lose an average of £6,000 a year in income, alongside the long-term impact on career progression and pensions3 and more than half (57%) of carers feel overwhelmed 'often' or 'always'.
For accountants already facing high-pressure workloads, the added responsibilities of caring intensify feelings of stress and burnout. Last year, 90 people received care support from caba with many others receiving financial or mental health support related to their caring responsibilities. The charity estimates there could be significantly more unpaid carers than those who seek support from caba or identify as a carer, with early evidence suggesting the number could be at least double within the ICAEW community.
Through the Carers Support Service, caba can connect members of the ICAEW community with personalised support options, including financial grants, emotional wellbeing services and practical guidance and resources. Chartered accountants who are juggling caring responsibilities are being encouraged by the organisation to reach out by phone, email, or through our website to schedule a check-in.
Ola Opoosun, Head of Support Services at caba, says: "Unpaid carers are the backbone of society. They carry so much extra weight on their shoulders beyond the normal responsibilities of day-to-day life. We know from caba's internal research that carers within the ICAEW community are more likely to experience stress, burnout and financial difficulties.
"No one should have to carry these burdens alone. Our experienced team listens with empathy and advises without judgement. We're here to make sure anybody in the ICAEW community who needs help knows they can reach out to us. That's why we're proud to put a spotlight on the Carers Support Service this week. If you're caring for a loved one, get in touch and find out what additional assistance you might be eligible for."
A member of the ICAEW community who has received support from caba after their wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer shared their experience: “I just wanted to say a huge thank you to caba for such a generous offer regarding the physiotherapist. I honestly had to read the email a few times because I couldn’t quite believe it. caba’s kindness really means a lot. It’s going to make such a difference for all of us.” They were in their mid-50s and had given up work to support their wife during this period. caba therefore supported them to claim for the Carers Allowance, as well as provide a free occupational therapy assessment, physiotherapy and counselling.
Schedule a Carers Support Service appointment today to understand the support you might be able to access as a member of the ICAEW community.