With the global population aging at an accelerating rate, the number of unpaid carers has been steadily increasing. However, many of these carers, while fulfilling their responsibilities in looking after others, often neglect their own physical health. In the UK, a groundbreaking initiative called the "Carers Active Project," launched by Carers UK, is helping to address this issue by providing unpaid carers with opportunities to become more physically active.
Recently, the project secured a significant funding boost from Sport England, enabling it to continue and expand its efforts. The initiative aims not only to improve the physical health of carers but also to create opportunities for social interaction, reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing overall happiness.
In the UK, there are over 4.7 million unpaid carers, who look after individuals who are ill, elderly, or disabled. Caregiving often requires immense energy and time, and carers frequently prioritize the needs of those they care for over their own well-being. Physical activity, a key factor for maintaining health, often falls by the wayside as carers struggle to find time or energy for exercise. This issue is particularly pronounced among carers aged 55 and above, with 76% of them reporting that they are unable to engage in as much physical activity as they would like.
To tackle this challenge, Carers UK launched the Carers Active Project, which aims to reduce health inequalities by increasing carers' participation in physical activities. The timing of this project is crucial, especially with the UK Government’s NHS 10-year plan, which focuses on early intervention and preventing ill health rather than simply treating it once diagnosed.
The project has already seen positive results. For instance, Carers UK created the Carers Active Hub, an online resource filled with exercise videos, activity ideas, and carer stories. Each year, over 8,000 carers access these resources, and an additional 461 carers participate in online activity sessions.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many carers expressing how the program gave them the confidence to engage in exercise in a way that suited their needs. Beyond physical benefits, these activities helped carers feel more connected to others, alleviating feelings of loneliness and boosting their self-worth.
With the project’s relaunch, Carers UK is planning to strengthen partnerships with professionals from sports, leisure, health, and care sectors. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity for carers and increase the number of opportunities for them to participate in local, in-person activities. Additionally, Carers UK will continue to run mini-campaigns and challenge events, focusing on activities that are accessible, low-cost, and easy to incorporate into carers' daily routines.
Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, highlighted the significance of this initiative: "If you're caring for someone, you’re more likely to experience poor health. Forty-three percent of current or former carers report that their mental or physical health has worsened since they took on caregiving responsibilities.
Physical activity can be a powerful antidote to this. In our State of Caring survey, more than half of carers who engaged in physical activity said it helped reduce stress and anxiety, but often, time constraints, fatigue, and affordability get in the way."
The funding from Sport England, amounting to £362,184 for the next three years, will enable Carers UK to expand these efforts. Aedan Wolton, Strategic Lead for Equality at Sport England, emphasized the importance of supporting carers: "With the help of National Lottery funding, we are committed to helping carers—who often put others' needs before their own—get active and experience the physical and mental health benefits of movement, in affordable and accessible ways."
Sport England’s partnership with Carers UK has already helped thousands of carers find ways to become physically active, and the renewed funding will ensure this success continues. The initiative aims to promote low-cost, no-cost physical activity options that can be easily integrated into carers' already busy lives, ensuring that they don’t feel burdened by the demands of exercise.
Research shows that carers face heightened health risks as a result of the physical and emotional toll caregiving can take. Forty-three percent of current or former carers report experiencing a deterioration in their physical or mental health since taking on caregiving duties.
Juggling the responsibilities of caring for someone, managing household duties, and often working a full-time job can leave little room for self-care, including physical exercise. The Carers Active Project seeks to address these issues by providing carers with accessible ways to improve their health without adding extra stress to their already demanding schedules.
One success story highlights how this program has improved both physical and mental health. A carer in her 50s, initially hesitant to participate in group activities, found herself connecting with other carers through the program. The mutual encouragement and support helped her feel more confident, both physically and emotionally. She reported significant improvements in her well-being after regularly participating in the activities, with her stress levels notably reduced.
Carers UK’s broader goal is to make these health benefits accessible to as many carers as possible. As part of the project’s expansion, the charity is focusing on creating more opportunities for physical activity that cater specifically to carers' needs.
By offering low-cost or free activities that can easily fit into their daily routines, the project helps carers feel supported, both physically and emotionally. These activities provide not only health benefits but also a sense of community, which is vital for carers who often feel isolated.
Moreover, the program addresses the urgent need for carers to prioritize their health. Many carers, particularly those with long-term caregiving responsibilities, experience burnout and chronic health issues. Increasing participation in physical activity could significantly reduce these risks. Physical exercise helps lower stress, alleviate anxiety, improve mood, and boost overall energy levels, which are all essential for maintaining the stamina needed to care for others.
The partnership between Carers UK and Sport England underscores the importance of a holistic approach to caregiving—one that balances caring for others with caring for oneself. By addressing the physical, emotional, and social needs of carers, the Carers Active Project is helping to create a more sustainable caregiving environment, where carers can thrive, not just survive.
In conclusion, the Carers Active Project serves as a crucial lifeline for unpaid carers, providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to improve their health and well-being. With continued funding and community collaboration, this initiative will ensure that carers not only have the strength to care for others but also the opportunity to care for themselves, leading to healthier, happier, and more resilient individuals and communities.