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Every day across Medway, thousands of people step in to care for someone they love. They support partners, parents, children, friends and neighbours — often without recognition, without pay, and without a break.
We spoke to 45 carers to understand what life is really like behind the closed doors of our caring community. Here’s what they told us.
The Hidden Workforce - download the report
Download the full report here!
The Hidden Workforce - The Experience of Carers in Medway, Healthwatch Medway February 2026
🌟 Who Are Medway’s Hidden Carers?
Carers come from every walk of life — but the weight they carry is remarkably similar.
73% of the carers we heard from were women
67% provide over 50 hours of care every week
76% live with the person they support
Nearly 1 in 5 care while managing their own disability or long‑term health condition
Many don’t even see themselves as carers — just family members "doing what needs to be done".
💬 “I Don’t Even Think of Myself as a Carer”
A surprising number of people didn’t identify with the term “carer” at all. They simply felt a sense of duty.
This mindset often stops carers from seeking help, contributing to the inequalities they face.As one carer told us:
"I’ve never thought of myself as a carer… I just thought it's what daughters do."
💥 The Impact of Caring: What Carers Told Us
1. Exhaustion & Declining Physical Health
Caring is physically demanding — and often relentless.
36% said caring has harmed their physical health
31% regularly feel exhausted
94% of those with declining physical health provide 50+ hours of care a week
Many are unable to attend their own medical appointments
“I am exhausted. I don't sleep because I'm worried he might try to escape or hurt himself.”
2. Mental Health Strain
The emotional toll is heavy.
Every carer reporting mental health decline was providing intensive, 50+ hour care
67% hadn’t had a single break in the last six months
Carers described overwhelming stress, isolation and worry.
“I don’t get a break. I spend a lot of time in my bedroom. It compounds my mental health.”
3. Employment Sacrifices — Especially for Women
Caring responsibilities often force carers out of work.
75% of those providing 50+ hours aren’t employed
All who said caring affected their job were women
Many reduced hours, changed careers or left work altogether
“I have a PhD, but I can’t start my academic career because of my caring responsibilities.”
✨ What Would Make the Biggest Difference?
When we asked carers what would help most, their answers fell into clear themes:
🛠️ Practical Support (27%)
More reliable paid carers
Consistent timings
Flexible care packages
Help making homes more accessible
💞 Emotional & Social Support (27%)
Community groups for both carer and cared‑for
Befriending
Local drop‑in spaces
📢 Clearer Information (9%)
Many carers simply don’t know where to start.
“No one tells you what support is available.”
⏳ Quality Respite (22%)
Carers want trusted, reliable breaks to rest or reconnect with others.
💷 Financial Support (16%)
Nearly half of those who asked for financial help struggle to afford basic necessities.
🤝 What’s Already Happening?
Medway Council has already started responding, including:
Redesigning carers’ webpages to be clearer and easier to navigate
Launching a Medway Carers Panel to embed lived experience in decision‑making
Improving guidance, processes and communication
Strengthening partnerships with Carers First
Developing a new, simple carers leaflet
Expanding Community Involvement Groups across Medway in 2026
We’ll continue to work alongside the council to ensure carers’ voices drive meaningful change.
💚 We’re Here for Medway’s Carers
Caring can be rewarding — but no one should have to sacrifice their health, identity or stability to support the person they love.
If you’re a carer in Medway, we want to hear your story.Your voice helps shape better services for everyone.
