This week is Carers Week, which runs across the UK from 8 to 14 June 2026, and it shines a light on the millions of people who quietly care for someone they love. Behind almost every kidney patient there is often a husband or wife, a son or daughter, a parent or a friend, making appointments, learning about treatment, and offering steady reassurance. This post is for them, and it gathers some of the practical support for carers that is available.
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Who counts as a carer
You do not have to live with someone, or provide round the clock help, to be a carer. If you give unpaid support to a relative or friend who could not manage as well without you, whether that is help getting to dialysis, managing medicines, cooking around a renal diet, or simply being there on the harder days, then you are a carer. Many people never use that word about themselves, yet recognising it matters, because a great deal of support for carers only becomes available once you do.
Practical support for carers of kidney patients
Help is out there, and you do not have to find it all on your own. Here are some of the places worth knowing about:
- MRIKPA: our own resources for carers bring together information written by people who understand the kidney journey, and our welfare grants can help ease financial pressure.
- A carer’s assessment: you have a right to ask your local council, or your health and social care trust, for a free carer’s assessment that looks at what might make daily life a little easier.
- Financial support: you may be entitled to help such as Carer’s Allowance, or Carer Support Payment in Scotland. You can check what applies to you on GOV.UK.
- Carers UK: the charity behind Carers Week runs an advice line and an online community for unpaid carers at carersuk.org.
- Kidney Care UK: offers a free counselling service, financial grants and advocacy for kidney patients and the people who care for them at kidneycareuk.org.
Looking after your own wellbeing
It is easy, when you are focused on someone else, to put your own needs last. Yet carers tell us again and again that the small things help: a proper break, a conversation with someone who understands, or simply permission to admit that it is tiring. If you would find it useful to understand more about what your loved one is going through, our guide to understanding the patient’s journey may help you both. Your renal team can point you towards support, and your GP can always talk to you about your own health.
Carers are the unsung part of so many kidney stories. They hold a great deal together, often without being asked and without complaint. This Carers Week we want every carer in our community to know that they matter, that support exists, and that they are never on their own.
Guy Hill, Chair of MRIKPA
You are part of our community too
At MRIKPA we are a community of patients and the people who care for them, and that includes you. If you would like to talk to others who understand, or simply to feel a little less alone, you are always welcome to reach out. You can email us at support@mrikpa.org.uk or call 07745 242 684. Sometimes the most helpful thing of all is a conversation with someone who has been there.
Carers Week 2026 runs from 8 to 14 June and is coordinated by Carers UK. You can find out more at carersweek.org.
This article is provided for general information and awareness purposes only and was believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. It is not intended as medical advice. Please always consult your doctor or renal team for guidance on your individual circumstances. Images used are for illustration purposes only and may not be medically or editorially accurate. While we take every care, errors can occur. If you spot an inaccuracy, please let us know at support@mrikpa.org.uk.
