Celebrating the amazing role of unpaid carers

08 June 2026

A celebration of the invaluable role that unpaid carers provide for family and loved ones across North Northamptonshire will take place this week.

Carers’ Week, which runs from 8-14 June 2026, is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, and highlight the challenges unpaid carers face, as well as recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

This year’s Carers’ Week campaign will focus on building carer friendly communities – calling for better recognition and support for unpaid carers.

Coinciding with national Carers’ Week, 8-14 June 2026, North Northamptonshire Council, supported by local partners, is hosting a drop-in carers’ coffee morning on Monday 8 June at the Council Chamber in Bowling Green Road, Kettering, from 10am to 11.30am. Northamptonshire Carers will be there with an information and advice stall, with all carers in North Northamptonshire welcome to pop along for a cuppa and a chat.

North Northamptonshire has nearly 30,000 unpaid carers, with many struggling with day-to-day living costs, and experiencing anxiety affecting their mental health and well-being.

The coffee morning aims to provide an opportunity for unpaid carers to meet with other carers, council professionals, and organisations, such as Northamptonshire Carers, to find out what help and support is available.  

Unpaid carers play a vital role in supporting their loved ones and are at the heart of strong, compassionate communities across North Northamptonshire. Their dedication, often carried out quietly and without recognition, makes an enormous difference to the lives and wellbeing of so many people. Carers’ Week gives us an important opportunity to shine a light on both the invaluable contribution carers make and the challenges they can face in balancing their caring responsibilities with other aspects of their lives. It is essential that we continue to build carer-friendly communities where support is visible, accessible and responsive to their needs. I would encourage any carers, or those who may not yet realise they are carers, to join local events, connect with others, and find out more about the help and support available to them locally.Cllr Chris Kellett, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Adults and Health Partnerships

Carers face challenges every step of the way in their lives. We need carer friendly communities to steer a better pathway to support, giving carers and the people they care for a better quality of life and better opportunities, regardless of their age and where they live. Let’s work together towards greater visibility and support.Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK

There is a host of information on Support for Carers on North Northamptonshire Council’s website including advice on carers assessments, carers’ breaks, and advocacy.