Carers’ Voices: Why Change Is Needed

Bristol Women’s Voice has long campaigned for carers, working towards meaningful change that recognises the value of care in our society. Care remains a gendered issue, with women still carrying a disproportionate share of unpaid caring responsibilities. At Bristol Women’s Voice, we believe in creating a fairer and more equitable world, which means recognising and valuing the unpaid roles carers play every day.

Earlier this year, we became aware of the Government consultation on Make Work Pay: Consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children. While the title of the consultation may suggest it is only relevant to parents of seriously ill children, it is an opportunity for all unpaid carers to share their experiences and help shape a more supportive workplace.

As a result, Bristol Women’s Voice brought carers together to engage with the consultation, develop a collective response and create a space to share experiences, influence policy and highlight why carers’ rights, recognition and support must be strengthened.

Bringing carers together to shape change

For many attendees, this was a rare opportunity to speak openly with people who understood the realities of caring. Many carers described feeling unseen, unsupported and exhausted by systems that often fail to recognise the scale of their responsibilities.

Emotions were understandably high, with many carers feeling overlooked by the systems that should support them. The women who attended were from different backgrounds, ages and stages of life. Some had been forced to leave employment as caring responsibilities grew, while others were approaching or had reached retirement age but still faced challenges accessing financial support.

Whatever their circumstances, the common thread was clear: carers were navigating a system that often leaves them feeling unheard while they continue to support the people they love.

Although there was frustration, hurt and exhaustion, there was also connection. By bringing carers together, the session created a sense of community and solidarity. Attendees exchanged contact details and valued the opportunity to meet others who shared similar experiences.

Creating spaces where carers can share their voices is a vital part of ensuring future policies and services reflect their lived experiences.

Caring is more than a role

Throughout the discussion, carers spoke about the need to recognise caring as a significant part of people’s lives.

Participants reflected that the word “carer” does not always capture the reality of what they do. Caring goes much deeper than practical tasks; it can shape someone’s identity, relationships, finances, employment and wellbeing.

The group highlighted that there are many different experiences of caring, including working carers, full-time carers, primary carers and secondary carers. Some shared how they had balanced caring alongside employment until the unpredictable nature of their responsibilities made this impossible.

Others spoke about the experiences of secondary carers, such as siblings supporting family members. While they may not be the primary carer, their responsibilities can still have a significant impact on their lives, opportunities and wellbeing.

Many participants also spoke about the skills they develop through caring. Carers often become highly knowledgeable about medical needs, communication, advocacy and support. However, this expertise is not always recognised by professionals and services.

By making the world a better place for one carer, we are creating a fairer place for all.

Carers need rights and support at work

Employment was a key theme throughout the consultation. Participants called for greater understanding from employers, better manager training and flexible working practices that recognise the realities of caring.

For some carers, a lack of workplace support had meant leaving employment completely, affecting their income, confidence and financial security. Others spoke about feeling anxious navigating benefits systems, worried about making mistakes or losing vital support.

The message was clear: carers need workplaces that understand their responsibilities rather than making them feel like a barrier.

Bristol Women’s Voice continues to campaign for stronger carers’ rights, including the introduction of five days’ paid carers’ leave. Practical workplace support can make the difference between someone staying in work or being forced to leave.

A consultation for all carers

The session also explored how carers can engage with policy and have their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives.

The Government consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children is an important opportunity for carers to share their experiences and influence future support. However, the title risks making some carers believe it does not apply to them.

This consultation is for all unpaid carers. Whether you care for a child, partner, parent, sibling or another loved one, your experiences matter and can help shape future employment rights.

The group also discussed how consultations themselves can create barriers. Long documents, complex language and lengthy questions are not always accessible for people who are already balancing significant caring responsibilities.

Carers called for simpler information, more accessible consultation methods and ongoing opportunities to influence change – not just one-off consultations without meaningful follow-up.

Carers’ voices must lead the way

A clear message from the session was that carers want to be recognised, respected and involved in decisions that affect their lives.

Participants called for stronger legal rights, better access to support, more opportunities to connect with other carers and meaningful involvement in shaping the future of care.

The consultation showed the importance of listening directly to carers and ensuring their experiences help drive change. Carers are experts in their own lives, and their voices must be central to conversations about the future of care.

Have your say

The carers’ consultation brought people together to share experiences, influence policy and highlight the changes needed to create a fairer system. By recognising carers’ expertise and strengthening carers’ rights, we can work towards a future where caring is valued and supported.

The Government consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children closes on 1 September 2026.

We encourage all unpaid carers to take part and share their experiences — your voice can help shape future policy and support.

Find out more and respond to the consultation here. 

You can also get involved with Bristol Women’s Voice’s Caring Economy campaign and help us continue campaigning for a future where carers are recognised, supported and valued.

Bristol Women’s Voice has responded to the consultation here.