White paper exposes hidden crisis facing unpaid caregivers

Lichfield-based not-for-profit Grace Cares has released a powerful new white paper highlighting the urgent need to support the UK’s millions of unpaid caregivers.

This group is too often overlooked in policy, services, and public understanding, according to the paper which has been produced in collaboration with Ontex Global.

Titled ‘Caring by Love, not by Pay: Stories and Solutions from Unpaid Caregivers’, the report is based on a national survey and in-person consultations with over 75 unpaid caregivers.

It brings their lived experiences into sharp focus, revealing a widespread lack of recognition, poor access to support, and serious impacts on emotional and mental wellbeing.

“Unpaid Caregivers are the hidden backbone of our health and care system. They save the government billions – yet many are exhausted, isolated, and invisible. This white paper is about listening and acting,” said Hannah Montgomery, co-founder of Grace Cares.

According to Carers UK, there are around 5.7 million unpaid caregivers in the UK, providing care worth an estimated £132 billion per year – equivalent to a second NHS.

Yet the white paper reveals:

• 54 per cent of respondents feel the Unpaid Caregiver role is under-recognised
• Over 50 per cent reported emotional and psychological distress from their caregiving role
• 76 per cent are unsure how to access support that already exists
• Many do not initially identify as an Unpaid Caregiver, meaning they miss vital help

In response, Grace Cares and Ontex Global are co-developing a programme of local and national resources, drop-in sessions, and peer support initiatives, built to directly address the needs of unpaid caregivers.

“At Ontex, we are proud to sponsor and support this vital work. Unpaid Caregivers deserve practical solutions, better recognition, and real-world support – not more barriers,” said Emily Vernon, UK country manager, Ontex Global.

Recommendations in the report include:

• Better national and local recognition of the unpaid caregiver role
• Improved signposting and awareness of existing services
• Access to emotional and psychological support, including counselling and peer networks
• Funding for respite care and training for complex caregiving tasks
• A unified terminology and clearer pathway to identify as an Unpaid Caregiver

Download the white paper now - click here.

Pictured: The Grace Cares team