Recognising and supporting our Working Carers
In Leeds alone, it’s estimated that over 74,000 people are unpaid carers for a family member or friend due to illness, disability, mental health challenges or substance misuse. That’s nearly 10% of the city’s population. Yet many people don’t identify as a ‘Working Carer’ – and as a result, may not access the support they are legally entitled to.
This isn’t just a Leeds issue. The picture is similar in towns and cities across the UK, including Harrogate and Keighley. It’s likely that many individuals across the communities we serve are balancing caring responsibilities with careers, education, or training – often without recognition or formal support.
Being a Working Carer can have a profound impact on a person’s physical and mental wellbeing, relationships, and opportunities for career progression. It can lead to stress, burnout, and isolation – especially when regular working patterns or social activities become difficult to maintain.
At Luminate Education Group, we’re committed to building carer-friendly environments that recognise these challenges and offer meaningful support. This includes flexible working arrangements, access to wellbeing resources, and spaces for peer connection and advocacy.
A key initiative is our Working Carers Forum, chaired by Mariam Kauser, EDI Manager at Leeds Conservatoire. The forum provides a platform for Working Carers to connect, share experiences and shape inclusive workplace policies.
Mariam explains:
“My vision is for a culture where no one feels they must choose between being a carer and being a valued professional. This forum exists to connect, support, and drive meaningful change – ensuring lived experience informs policy and carers’ voices are heard, however quietly they speak.”
The recent introduction of the Carer’s Leave Act (2023), which came into effect in 2024, marks an important step forward. Under this new legislation, employees across the UK can take up to one week of unpaid leave each year to care for a dependent – a statutory right that helps Working Carers manage their responsibilities more effectively.
We’re proud to be part of a wider regional effort to raise awareness, promote resources, and advocate for more compassionate workplaces. Whether you’re an employer, a community organisation, or someone with caring responsibilities, we all have a role to play in ensuring carers feel supported, seen, and valued.
For more information about our initiatives or to connect with the Working Carers Forum, please get in touch.
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