Episode 38 — A carer’s toughest patient is often themselves

In partnership with cancer charity Maggie’s, this podcast spotlights the UK’s unpaid carers looking after a friend or loved one — whether that person has cancer or any other illness.

There are an estimated 10.6 million unpaid carers in the UK. Caring can take a major physical and emotional toll, but carers often push their own needs aside to focus on their loved one. In 2023, a poll of unpaid carers found 62% needed support with their health and wellbeing and 30% said their mental health was bad or very bad. Meanwhile, 29% of unpaid carers feel lonely often or always.

It can be difficult for carers to focus on themselves when a loved one is so ill, but it’s important they take the time to recharge. The philosophy about being unable to pour from an empty cup is so true — without time to recharge, carers may find themselves unable to keep doing everything they do. In this podcast, we discuss supporting the wellbeing of unpaid carers, as well as that of the people they’re caring for.