Thousands of deprived unpaid carers in south east London

This data has been taken from the latest census in March 2021, which revealed the number of households with an unpaid carer without access to a car and who were living in health deprivation.

A household is classified as meeting the criteria for health deprivation if any person has general health that is bad or very bad, or is identified as disabled.

People who have assessed their day-to-day activities as limited by long-term physical or mental health conditions or illnesses are considered disabled.

Lewisham was the highest of all the boroughs with 24.4 per cent, followed by Greenwich with 22.1 per cent.

The boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Dartford all had recorded figures a little over 10 per cent.

Here’s a full breakdown of every borough:

Lewisham

In Lewisham 16,058 households have at least one unpaid carer, of which 3,923 (24.4 per cent) are in health deprivation as well as having no access to a car or van.

This was the highest figure out of all the south east London boroughs and the twelfth highest in the UK.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Lewisham Council said that they “recognised” the challenges that came with being an unpaid carer, and were working to establish resources for carers as part of their Unpaid Carers Plan, which began earlier this year.

Councillor Paul Bell, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “We are hugely grateful for the vital role that unpaid carers play across our borough in helping friends and families to live independently.

“While unpaid caring can be rewarding, we also know that unpaid carers across the UK face significant challenges.

“As a council, we’re committed to doing what we can to help unpaid carers in our borough feel valued, access support for themselves when needed, and are enabled to lead fulfilling lives.

“As part of our Unpaid Carers Plan adopted earlier this year, we’re establishing a new Unpaid Carer Hub that will enable us to more quickly understand the needs of our unpaid carers and ensure that they know how to access financial and practical support from local and national services.

“As many unpaid carers do not always come forward or recognise that they are entitled to support as an unpaid carer, we will be recruiting dedicated unpaid carer coordinators who will work in the community, including in schools and primary care settings such as GP practices, to proactively identify and engage with people who are providing care support.

“We will also work with local businesses to promote and encourage carer-friendly policies such as flexible working.”

Greenwich

In Greenwich, 15,363 households have at least one unpaid carer, of which 3,396 (22.1 per cent) are in health deprivation, along with having no access to a car or van.

A spokesperson for the Royal Borough of Greenwich said that the council was working to “give carers a voice” within the borough, and had created a Joint Adult Carers Strategy in its commitment to supporting carers within the borough.

Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald, cabinet member for health and adults’ social care, said: “The council is committed to ensuring that people's health and wellbeing supports them in living their best life, and that those in need of support for their health and wellbeing, as well as financially can access the right advice and opportunities to improve their situation.

“The time carers dedicate, and the love and patience they show, is irreplaceable.

“Though at times rewarding and fulfilling, the impact of providing unpaid care can be significant.

“We are aware that nationally, census data from 2021 shows a reduction in the overall number of carers, however, it also shows that more people are providing more than 50 hours of unpaid care a week.

“Last year, we created our Joint Adult Carers Strategy in consultation with carers in partnership with the NHS, which outlines our commitment to supporting and recognising the contribution of our carers."

She added: “Some of the ways we help financially are, we offer people who need care free parking permits for their carers, if they live in controlled parking zones, as well as a reduced rate of council tax. “To give carers a voice and to help shape our services we have established a Carers Partnership Board.

“This includes people with lived experience, so that we can continue to listen to and understand their needs.

“We currently commission a number of services for our carers, including Greenwich Carers Centre, offering advice, information, creative groups and social opportunities. Mobilise provides a digital platform for carers to share stories and get mutual support.

“We also offer Greenwich Volcare, which provides a sitting service for carers in need of respite.”

Bexley

In Bexley, 15,125 households have at least one unpaid carer, of which 1,879 (12.4 per cent) are in health deprivation, in addition to having no access to a car or van.

We have asked Bexley Council for comment.

Bromley

In Bromley, 20,051 households have at least one unpaid carer, of which 2,223 (11.1 per cent) are in health deprivation, as well as having no access to a car or van.

We have asked Bromley Council for comment.

Dartford

In Dartford, 6,790 households have at least one unpaid carer, of which 691 (10.2 per cent) are in health deprivation, alongside having no access to a car or van.

We have asked Dartford Council for comment.

A spokesperson for leading UK charity Carers UK said that unpaid carers faced challenges surrounding work, transport and poor health and wellbeing.

However, they also added that further work needed to be done by other areas in society, such as employers, in their support for unpaid carers and their families.

Carers UK chief executive Helen Walker said: "Looking after a disabled, ill or older relative or friend unpaid can be rewarding, but it’s clear to see how many families face huge challenges; lack of transport, difficulties with housing, barriers to juggling work and care, poorer health and wellbeing and a negative impact on their finances.

“The shortage of care services, lack of breaks and low carers’ benefits has left many feeling exhausted and at the end of their tether.

“Unpaid carers deserve better.

“Most people don’t identify themselves as unpaid carers and miss out on vital support."

She called for a "step change" in the way the government and society supports and recognises carers.

She added: “But it’s not all down to government. There’s much more that employers and society can do.

“Employers can look at supporting employees who are juggling work and care and there are new opportunities to do so with the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 giving up to one week of unpaid leave for employees.

“All of us can alert family and friends to information, advice and support which might make all the difference to someone we care about who is providing unpaid care."