Cheshire East marks Carers Week by celebrating unpaid carers

Cheshire East Council is supporting Carers Week 2026 (8th to 14th June), shining a spotlight on the vital role unpaid carers play across the borough and encouraging communities to come together under this year’s theme: ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities.’

Across Cheshire East, more than 34,000 residents are unpaid carers, representing around 1 in every 11 people aged five and over. These individuals provide essential care and support to family members, friends, and neighbours living with long-term illness, disability, mental health needs, or age-related conditions.

Carers Week offers an important opportunity to recognise their contributions, raise awareness of the challenges carers face, and ensure people know how to access help and support.

Organised by the Cheshire East Carers Hub and adult social care, Cheshire East residents are invited to attend community events designed to connect carers with services, advice, and each other. No booking is required, and refreshments will be available.

• Tuesday 9th June – Salinae Day Centre, Middlewich (CW10 9DG)
• Thursday 11th June – Macclesfield Town Hall (Silk Room), Macclesfield (SK10 1EA)
• 10.30am – 2.30pm at both venues.

Attendees will find a wide range of organisations offering support on:

• Health and wellbeing
• Benefits and financial advice
• Dementia support
• Young carers services
• Community groups and respite activities
• End-of-life and future planning support

Feedback from local carers highlights the importance of connection, flexibility and practical support:

“Talking to other carers made all the difference.”

“Support that fits around carers’ lives matters.”

“Community support is powerful.”

“Simple things like meals can make a huge difference.”

These insights continue to shape how support is designed and delivered across Cheshire East.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for adult social care, said:

“Unpaid carers are at the heart of our communities in Cheshire East, and their dedication supports not only loved ones, but our wider health and care system. 

“Carers Week is a chance for everyone in Cheshire East to show appreciation, raise awareness, and help create communities where carers feel valued, supported and understood.

“Residents who care for someone, even if they do not think of themselves as a “carer” are encouraged to come along to the events, seek support, and connect with others.”

For any enquiries or specific circumstances, carers can email: 

CarersInbox@cheshireeast.gov.uk 

or Cheshire East Carers Hub at: 

enquiries@cheshireeastcarershub.co.uk