Carers Charter
26th February 2026
Carers play a vital role in supporting people in our communities.
A carer is considered to be anyone who spends time looking after or helping a family member, friend or neighbour who, because of their health and care needs, would find it difficult to cope without this help regardless of age or whether they identify as a carer.
There are approximately 175,000 unpaid carers in Lancashire and South Cumbria according to the 2021 Census, and Carers UK estimates the true number may be double that. Of these, approximately 63,000 people provide more than 50 hours of unpaid care a week. Carers improve the wellbeing of the people they care for and help reduce the demand on a range of local authority and NHS funded services. Together, they make up a vital part of our health and care system.
