Unpaid Carers in Wales: A Call for Recognition

0:00On March 31, a new report from the Senate Health Committee shines a light on unpaid carers and whales where over 310,000 people won in every 11 provide essential care without pay. That's up slightly since 2019, but support has barely budged with only around 5,000 having formal plans as of March 20, 24. Carers like 45-year-old Michelle Rees from Newport Talbot get just 83 pounds 30-pence a week for over 35 hours of care, which often isn't enough for basics like breakfast. Michelle lets after her 23-year-old daughter with severe epilepsy, her elderly parents, sister, and nephew clocking over 90 hours, weekly while battling the system for every need. These spoke space isolation, burnout, and crumbling health, with respite care scarce in many spots. Young carers like 17-year-old Albi Sutton, who's helped his mom since age 11 while chasing A-levels in physics, miss school, jobs, and social time, often unaware they're even

1:03entitled to help. The report drops 35 recommendations, like better ID and CARES in schools and clinics, more short breaks, and uniform support. Whilst government pledges 13 million pounds extra for advice and emergencies, while parties from labor to conservatives promise respite rights, free bus travel, and 16,000 annual breaks. Unpaid CARES hold up whales' care system, but they need real recognition beyond words, time for leaders to step up and deliver the backing of these. Every day heroes deserve.