The value of carer breaks
The UK's health and social care system depends on unpaid carers. This economic analysis, following Treasury Green Book guidance, shows the value of respite breaks for unpaid carers.
The UK's 5.8 million carers are the backbone of our health and social care system, yet 57% feel overwhelmed, and 65% cite simply not getting a break as the main cause. The hidden cost of this is profound: to carers’ mental and physical health, to family relationships, and to the public purse.
This research shows that a short hotel break with Carefree is not a luxury - it is a cost-effective intervention that prevents crisis breakdown, saves significant public money, and gives carers the resilience to keep going.
“Unpaid carers are truly remarkable. Day in, day out, they selflessly dedicate their lives to care for their loved ones. They are the unsung heroes of the social care system. Without them our NHS and our communities simply would not function. So I welcome this report.”
Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and lifelong carer
