We want to better support the people who care for a family member, neighbour or friend in Gloucestershire. We want to work together to ensure carers feel valued, respected and empowered.


A carer is somebody, of any age, who provides support or who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of frailty, physical or mental illness, or disability. This would not usually include someone paid or employed to carry out that role, or someone who is a volunteer.’

According to the 2021 Census, there are an estimated total of 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK equating to 9% of the population. In Gloucestershire, we have approximately 52,000 carers and 7,000 young carers.

Caring can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing. 60% of carers report a long-term health condition or disability compared to 50% non-carers [Carers UK analysis of GP Patient Survey 2021].

How do we support carers?

In order to raise the profile of unpaid carers and make Gloucestershire a more ‘Care Aware’ community, we have designed a logo for use on all carer communications. To find out more about Carer Aware, please visi Are you carer aware? (Gloucestershire County Council).

There is also a Carers Partnership Board which meets on a quarterly basis to look at the issues carers are facing and what can be done to address these and improve the lives of carers.

What is the carers partnership board? (Gloucestershire County Council).

More information about support for carers and other services is also available through YourCircle – a local directory of support services in Gloucestershire.

What help is there in Gloucestershire for adult carers?

Gloucestershire County Council and NHS Gloucestershire jointly commission Gloucestershire Carers Hub to support adult carers – please see more on Gloucestershire Carers Hub.

They provide:

  • Information, Advice and Guidance
  • Carers Emergency Scheme
  • Peer support
  • Carer breaks
  • Training opportunities
  • Carer assessments

We want all carers in Gloucestershire to sign up to the Carers Emergency Scheme. This gives carers peace of mind that, if something unexpected happens to them, their cared for person will be looked after. Find out more about the scheme via the Gloucestershire County Council website here or by contacting the Carers Hub.

Other services

Young carers

Gloucestershire Young Carers offer support to carers under the age of 18, as well as for young adult carers, aged 16-24. The service offers activity groups, support groups, support for families, residential and day trips, a young carers’ forum and newsletter, and training on a variety of topics such as first aid and being assertive. Child/young person-friendly information on a range of issues is also available.

Diverse Ethnic Community (DEC) Carers

The current services provided to Gloucestershire’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic carers are:

Other local services

Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum is a voice for those with lived experience of being a parent carer and can offer peer support.

The Eddystone Trust in Gloucestershire offers support to carers looking after someone living with HIV.