Recognising All Who Care: Supporting Carers Week & #GladtoCare Week

At We Change Lives, supporting others is at the heart of everything we do. But that kind of support doesn’t just happen in services like ours – it happens quietly, all around us. In homes, workplaces, and communities. And too often, it goes unnoticed.

That’s why this June, we’re proud supporting two awareness weeks that shine a light on the people who care – in all kinds of ways.

From 9-15th June, we're recognising unpaid carers during Carers Week, followed by #GladtoCare Awareness Week from 16-20th June, which celebrates professional carers.

While these weeks focus on different groups, both remind us to recognise the everyday people who give their time, energy, and kindness to support others – and to make sure they're seen, appreciated, and celebrated.

Carers Week: Caring About Equality

Carers Week is about the millions of unpaid carers across the UK – partners, parents, siblings, friends and neighbours who support someone every day. Many might not even realise they're carers. They're just doing what needs to be done.

This year's theme is Caring About Equality, spotlighting the challenges unpaid carers often face. Many experience financial strain, isolation, or difficulty balancing work or education – often putting their own lives on hold to care for someone else.

At We Change Lives, we see these stories every day, through families and wider networks. We see the love, the resilience, and the quiet commitment.

And as a charity rooted in support for carers in the UK, we know that while caring can be incredibly rewarding, it can also take a toll without the right support and recognition.

#GladtoCare Week: Celebrating Professional Carers

The following week, we’re marking #GladtoCare Awareness Week – a chance to thank the incredible people working in social care across the UK.

Care work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is life changing. Whether it’s helping someone get ready in the morning, supporting them on a trip to the shops, or simply sitting together and having a laugh, these moments matter.

At its core, care work is human. It’s about trust, connection and presence.

We’re incredibly proud of our teams for their dedication, warmth and compassion deserve recognition not just this week, but all year round. This is a time for social care recognition and we’re here for it. 💪

How We're Getting Involved

Across these weeks, we’ll be sharing moments of appreciation and reflection, from quotes and reflections to behind-the-scenes snapshots of care in action. We’ll spotlight both unpaid carers and social care professionals. So follow along on our social channels to see how we’re celebrating carers and encouraging more people to recognise their role in supporting others.

How You Can Take Part

Know someone who cares – a neighbour, friend or loved one? Now’s the time to say thank you. A kind word, a cuppa or simply “I see what you do” can mean more than you realise. You can also visit the official campaign pages to get involved, download resources, or make a pledge of support:

• Carers Week (9-15 June)

• #GladtoCare Awareness Week (16-20 June)

Care Comes in All Forms

These two important weeks remind us that care doesn’t always wear a uniform. It might happen around a kitchen table, in a supported living service, or over a quiet chat on the sofa.

Unpaid or paid, part-time or full-time – all care makes a difference. So this June, we’re recognising everyone who gives their time, energy and heart to care for others.

Thank you. We see you, and we’re glad you’re here. 💙