This week is Carers Week, a national event to shine a spotlight on carers and the contribution they make. This year’s theme is Building Carer Friendly Communities.
Did you know there are an estimated 44,000 people in Fife of all ages who care for a family member, friend or neighbour? And they live and work in every part of Fife, in every locality; in every community.
Incredibly, many people who carry out this vital role don’t even recognise that they are carers.
And because of this, these ‘hidden’ carers may well be missing out on help and support available.
Fife Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is using Carers Week to raise awareness, recognise the role of carers and highlight support available.
Are you a carer?
A carer is anyone of any age who looks after someone close to them.
For example, this could be providing help and support to someone who could not manage without it due to age and frailty, illness, disability, or mental health.
This support might include helping with day-to-day tasks, offering emotional support, or coordinating care.
Often, carers juggle these responsibilities alongside work and their other commitments.
Recognising the role of carers
Carers make a huge difference to people’s lives and to the health and social care system.
Their compassion, dedication and resilience help people remain independent and supported in their communities.
However, caring can also have an impact on a person’s own health, wellbeing, finances and opportunities.
Many people do not see themselves as carers and may miss out on help that could make a real difference. However, a husband looking after a poorly wife, or a dad looking after a child with additional support needs are also carers and could benefit from some of the additional support we have made available in Fife in all communities in Fife.
Support available in Fife
Fife HSCP is encouraging all carers to come forward and find out more about the support available to them locally, including:
- Information, advice and guidance,
- Emotional support and peer networks,
- Help to take a break from caring,
- Practical help to support their caring role.
Fife HSCP works closely with partners, including Fife Carers Centre and Fife Young Carers, and many others to fund the crucial services that ensure carers can access the right support at the right time.
Encouraging people to come forward
Throughout Carers Week and the weeks and months following, Fife HSCP will be sharing information and signposting to local services to encourage people to:
- Recognise themselves as carers,
- Seek support early,
- Connect with local services and organisations.
Lynne Garvey, Director of Fife HSCP, said: “Carers play an essential role in our communities, often putting the needs of others before their own. During Carers Week, we want to say thank you, remind carers that they are not alone and that support is available.
“Many people don’t recognise themselves as carers, but if you are regularly helping someone, we would encourage you to come forward and find out what help is available to you.”
Find out more
Anyone who thinks they may be a carer, or who supports someone in Fife, is encouraged to find out more about the help available during Carers Week and beyond.
More information is available online:
Fife Health and Social Care Partnership
For more information about Carers Week
Carers UK Digital resource: Carers can access a free digital resource bringing together practical support, advice and tools in one place. It includes the Jointly care coordination app, which provides a secure, central space to organise everything from appointments and medication to shared notes, tasks and key information about the person you care for.
Visit carersdigital.org and create and account with free access code DGTL6234.
More News
Planned upgrade to Community Alarm service network
04 June 2026
The role of music and how it can benefit people living with dementia
21 May 2026