Luton Council launches ‘I care’ campaign to support thousands of unpaid carers across the town
Luton Council has today launched a new campaign, ‘I care’, to recognise, value and support the thousands of unpaid carers who play a vital role in the lives of family members, friends and neighbours across the borough.
Data from the 2021 Census shows that around 16,000 Luton residents identify as unpaidcarers, yet far fewer are accessing formal support. We know that many people that provide unpaid care don’t recognise themselves as carers, because they don’t identify with the word ‘carer’, or they feel their role is simply part of family life. Our campaign aims to be culturally inclusive and reach people in a way that feels relevant and respectful, while signposting them to practical support that can make a real difference.
The I care campaign aims to raise awareness of what it means to be an unpaid carer, celebrating the contribution carers make, and encouraging residents to access support to help them balance caring responsibilities with their own health, wellbeing and life goals.
The campaign also promotes the benefits of Luton’s newly commissioned service from Mobilise, a new online carers’ support service. Mobilise offers flexible, accessible support that carers can access at a time and in a way that suits them, helping to increase choice, control and reach across the town.
Councillor Basit Mahmood, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, said: “Anyone can be a carer, at any point in their life. Too many people in Luton are supporting loved ones without realising that help is available to them. Through the ‘I care’ campaign, we want to make it clear that we see, value and appreciate our carers, and that support is there to help them look after themselves as well as those they care for.”
Carers often face inequalities in their health, finances, work, education and social lives due to the demands of caring. With the right support, many of these challenges can be reduced or prevented.
By using the support services commissioned by Luton Council, such as Mobilise and Carers Central, carers will be able to access online resources, peer support, information and guidance designed to fit around their caring role, as well as in person and online community events which provide an opportunity to connect with other carers.
Luton residents who provide care for someone are encouraged to find out more about the support available; they can visit our website at luton.gov.uk/carers and complete an online carer’s assessment or call 01582 547659 or 547660.