Carers Week 2025
Carers play a vital role in supporting individuals who face challenges living independently. Often spouses, relatives, or friends, many carers don’t identify themselves as such, yet their contribution is invaluable.
Carers Week 2025 shines a light on the 5.7 million unpaid carers across the UK, highlighting this year’s theme: Caring About Equality, which calls for a fairer society where carers are recognised and supported.
At our Trust, carers are an integral part of our community. Our Involvement Team works closely with carers to ensure they have access to the help, advice, and support they need.
Chief Nurse, Sharon Spain said:
“As we observe Carers Week 2025, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to the thousands of unpaid carers across South West London who provide unwavering support to those facing mental health challenges.
This year's theme, Caring About Equality, highlights the disparities and disadvantages faced by unpaid carers across the UK. It calls for a fairer society where carers have access to the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve.
We especially want to acknowledge and thank the many members of our own workforce who balance demanding professional roles with significant caring responsibilities at home. Your resilience and commitment are deeply appreciated.”
We continue to expand support for carers through listening events, peer groups, training, and involvement opportunities. Carers can also help shape services via our Carers, Friends and Families Reference Group and Triangle of Care Steering Group.
Support for carers
If you support someone receiving care from this Trust, reach out to your local carers’ centre. They can assist with benefits, employer support, or respite services. Each borough has knowledgeable staff available to guide you.
- Carers First Merton: 0300 303 1555
- Kingston Carers’ Network: 020 3031 2757
- Wandsworth Carers Centre: 020 8877 1200
- Sutton Carers Centre: 020 8296 5611
- Richmond Carers Centre: 020 8867 2380
As a Trust we run two stakeholder groups, the Carers, Friends, and Families Reference Group and the Triangle of Care Steering Group, along with online and face-to-face peer support groups for carers.
Carers can also join the Lived Experience Network to influence service improvements, connect with others, and receive a quarterly newsletter. The Trust offers courses at the Recovery College, including "Well-being Skills for Carers, Friends, and Families," available in person or online.
The Carers, Friends, and Families Reference Group meets every eight weeks to discuss quality and patient experiences. Carers can get involved by contacting involvement@swlstg.nhs.uk.
Get involved
Throughout this week, our Trust will be running a range of activities, including webinars, learning sessions, and events for both carers and staff. The attached overview shows which activities are for carers and which are for staff.
Contact involvement@swlstg.nhs.uk for more information or click here to register for the next information session.
