UK-based independent occupational charity caba has urged unpaid carers within the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) community to come forward and secure support available for them.
The appeal comes during Carers Week, against the backdrop of a sharp increase in unpaid caring responsibilities across the UK.
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Supporting current and former ICAEW members and their families, caba is inviting carers to arrange confidential one-to-one check-ins with its team so they can be signposted to appropriate assistance.
According to the charity, the number of adults providing over 35 hours of unpaid care a week has climbed by more than 70% over the last 20 years.
It is estimated that around five million people are now delivering unpaid care across England and Wales.
Research referenced by caba indicates that nearly four in ten adults who look after an elderly relative have either cut their working hours or left their jobs altogether in order to cope with caring duties.
On average, unpaid carers forgo £6,000 ($8,032) in income each year, with knock-on effects for career progression and retirement savings. More than half (57%) report feeling overwhelmed “often” or “always”.
Over the last year, 90 individuals accessed care-related support from caba. Others sought financial or mental health assistance linked to their responsibilities as carers.
The organisation believes the actual number of unpaid carers is significantly higher than those currently in contact with the charity or who recognise themselves as carers. Initial indications suggest the real figure could be at least double.
It added that through its Carers Support Service, caba offers tailored help to ICAEW members. This can include financial grants, emotional well-being support, and practical information and resources.
caba support services head Ola Opoosun said: “Unpaid carers are the backbone of society. They carry so much extra weight on their shoulders beyond the normal responsibilities of day-to-day life.
“We know from caba’s internal research that carers within the ICAEW community are more likely to experience stress, burnout and financial difficulties.”
