Carers Week 2026: Understanding carers’ assessments
This week we’re celebrating Carers Week – a chance to recognise and support unpaid carers across our communities.
Carers Week is an annual campaign that shines a light on the important role unpaid carers play, while raising awareness of the challenges they can face. It also helps people who may not see themselves as carers to recognise their role and find the support available to them.
This year’s theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities , celebrates the power of places, services and networks where carers feel recognised, understood and valued. These communities help make support part of everyday life, ensuring carers get the opportunities and help they need.
Each day of Carers Week focuses on a different theme. To kick things off, Monday is all about social care. We’re focusing on carers’ assessments and how they can help people access the support and resources that make caring a little easier.
Carer’s assessments: what they offer and how to get one
If you support someone with their mental health, a carer’s assessment is one of the most practical ways to get the right help around you.
A carer’s assessment is free and available to any adult providing unpaid care, no matter how much support you give or whether the person you care for has their own assessment.
Despite the name, it is not a test of how well you are caring. You are not being judged. It is a conversation about what would make your role more manageable and sustainable.
Why it matters
The focus is on you and your wellbeing. Following an assessment, you may be offered:
- respite or short breaks
- practical help at home
- training or information
- peer support
- advice on benefits and finances
Even small changes can make a real difference day to day.
How to access one
You can request an assessment through your local council:
- NHS guide: https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/support-and-benefits-for-carers/carer-assessments/
- Find your council: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
You can also contact your local carers centre. They can help you request an assessment and prepare for it:
Merton: https://www.mertoncarerscentre.org
Kingston: https://kingstoncarers.org.uk
Wandsworth: https://www.carerswandsworth.org.uk
Richmond (Carers in Mind): https://www.richmondcarers.org/services/carers-in-mind/
Sutton: https://www.suttoncarerscentre.org
These services offer free advice, emotional support and help navigating the system.
A practical tip
Before your assessment, jot down what a typical week looks like and where things feel most difficult.
You do not have to manage alone. Support for you matters too.
