This year Carers Rights Day takes place on Thursday 20 November 2025. The theme is “Know your rights, use your rights”.
It is an important moment to highlight the millions of unpaid carers across the United Kingdom and to show the rights they are entitled to and the support available to them. In Richmond upon Thames and across the UK there are thousands of unpaid carers providing vital support to family members and friends.
Why this matters
Being an unpaid carer is not just about helping someone with day to day tasks. Caring can affect your health, wellbeing, finances, employment, social life and future.
Much like the 2022 theme Caring Costs, which recognised the multiple costs of caring, the 2025 theme emphasises knowing and using rights so that carers are not left juggling unsupported or unaware. Many carers might not even identify as carers and may miss out on support.
Every day approximately 12,000 people in the United Kingdom become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or friend. Many of them are unaware of their legal rights or what they are entitled to.
What rights should carers know and use
The following are some of the rights highlighted for Carers Rights Day 2025:
- The right to unpaid carers leave for eligible employees under the Carers Leave Act
- The right to request flexible working including hours, times and place under the Flexible Working Act
- The right to ask your GP practice to identify you as a carer on your patient record, which can help with access to health and preventive services
- The right to request a free influenza vaccination if you are a carer, which is important for your own health and your ability to continue caring safely
- Protection under the Equality Act 2010 from discrimination or harassment because of your caring responsibilities
- The right to a carers assessment or adult carer support plan if you are 18 or over and provide unpaid care. This does not depend on how much care you provide
- The right to be consulted when someone you care for is discharged from hospital and for hospitals to identify the carer and involve them
How Richmond Carers Centre can help
- Find out your rights: Visit our Carers Rights and Entitlements webpage for a comprehensive guide or contact us to speak to our team
- Attend an information session: Our Centre offers local workshops, drop-ins and webinars about carers rights and support available in Richmond upon Thames
- Request an assessment: We can help you request an adult carer support plan and explain what you are entitled to
- Signpost to support: Our team can provide advice on financial support, mental wellbeing services, respite care, peer networks and other local services
- Practical guidance: We help carers challenge situations where their rights are not being met and guide them through next steps
Why it matters locally and for you
In Richmond upon Thames pressures on unpaid carers are significant. Rising costs of living, balancing work and care, navigating health and social care systems and enduring emotional and physical strain are common challenges.
By ensuring carers are aware of their rights and able to use them, we help ensure they are not left unsupported, isolated or without options. Carers Rights Day 2025 is an opportunity to step up all year round and help carers feel valued, informed and empowered.
How can you help?
- If you are an unpaid carer, take a moment this week to ask yourself Do I know my rights? Start with our Adult Carers Service or visit the Carers UK website
- If you are an employer, consider how you support staff with caring responsibilities. Do you know about the five days unpaid carers leave? Do you allow flexible working from day one? Carers Trust offers guidance and training for local businesses
- If you are a professional in health or social care, make sure you recognise and engage with the carer as part of the caring relationship, offer to identify them, signpost them to support and involve them at discharge and planning
- If you are a member of the community, spread the word about Carers Rights Day, share resources and get involved with Richmond Carers Centre
We will be marking Carers Rights Day 2025 on 20th November and will be sharing resources, local events and further information next week.
If you are a carer, Richmond Carers Centre is here to support you. You do not have to go it alone.
Carers UK will continue to use its influence to ensure that carers’ voices are heard and that carers get the support they need.
SOURCE: Carers UK
