East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP) and East Lothian Council are proud to announce their participation in Carer Week 2026. This annual national campaign, running from June 8 to 14 June, aims to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the unique challenges faced by unpaid carers, and recognise the immense contribution they make to in supporting individuals and communities throughout East Lothian.
The theme for Carers Week 2026 is "Building Carer Friendly Communities." This year's focus highlights the impact that supportive local environments - from workplaces, and GP practices, to schools and community groups - can have in making a real and lasting difference to the lives of carers.
In East Lothian alone, there are 13,147 unpaid carers. Statistics show that 3 in 5 of us will take on a caring role at some point in our lives. Despite this, many people supporting a friend or family member do not identify as a "carer." Instead, they see themselves simply as partners, parents, or friends doing what is necessary for a loved one.
ELHSCP is calling on local businesses, faith communities, local neighbourhoods, pharmacies, schools, colleges and universities, businesses and online groups to take meaningful steps toward becoming more carer friendly. Whether it is a workplace offering flexible arrangements or a local cafe providing a welcoming space, every action counts!
A carer-friendly community is made up of people and organisations that:
- Raise awareness of unpaid caring.
- Identify carers who may not recognise their own role and connect them to support.
- Understand the realities and challenges of caring.
- Take practical action to empower carers to live fulfilling lives alongside their caring responsibilities.
Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer of ELHSCP, comments:
“Carers play a vital role in our community, yet many do not realise that the support they provide qualifies them for help. By building carer friendly communities, we want to ensure that carers in East Lothian are recognised, heard and supported. Even the smallest change in these spaces can significantly improve a carer’s daily life.”
You may not see yourself as a carer, however there are services that make your caring role more sustainable. ELHSCP is encouraging anyone providing extra help to someone close to them to reach out and explore the support available to them in East Lothian.
If you want to get involved in Carers Week 2026, take a look at the media toolkit, which contains social media graphics and copy, prompts for sign posting to local supports, information of in person events and much more. You will find the media toolkit and support for young and adult unpaid carers online at
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/support-for-carers
For further support for adult unpaid carers, please visit:
www.coel.org.uk
Further support for young carers, please visit:
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/young-carers