Sunderland is marking Carers Week by recognising the invaluable contribution of unpaid carers and highlighting the support available to them across the city.
Running from 8 to 14 June, Carers Week is an annual national campaign dedicated to raising awareness of the vital role carers play in supporting family members, friends and loved ones, while encouraging greater recognition of the challenges they face.
The Carers Week theme for 2026 is ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’, to promote unpaid carers being recognised and supported by their families, communities and society.
Services for unpaid carers in Sunderland are provided by Sunderland City Council in partnership with Sunderland Carers Centre and Mobilise Sunderland.. The Sunderland Carers centre has planned a week of activity across the city including coffee mornings, exercise classes and networking events for the city’s carers.
The city’s landmarks including Northern Spire, Fulwell Mill, Cliffe Park Lighthouse and Keel Square will be lit in blue to mark the selfless dedication of carers and celebrate the difference they make to the lives of those they care for.
Councillor Jonathon Emerson, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Services, said:
“Carers Week gives us the opportunity to recognise and thank our city’s unpaid carers for the fantastic work they do and the tremendous contributions they make to Sunderland.
“Every carer’s experience is different, and some may not even think of themselves as carers, but anyone who looks after someone with an illness or disability, who would not be able to manage without this help, is classed as a carer and is able to access support.
“We want unpaid carers to know that help is available to support them.”
Any adult in Sunderland aged 18 or over who looks after someone with day-to-day tasks is entitled to a carer’s assessment to help them access valuable information and support tailored to their needs.
The council’s online self-assessment tool offers a clear and straightforward way to identify what assistance may be available, ensuring that carers have access to the resources they deserve.
Sunderland City Council has also commissioned Mobilise to offer a range of free online services for carers, in addition to what is already on offer.
For more information on the self-assessment tool, Mobilise, and other support available visit Carers – Sunderland City Council
