Carers UK has released a new best practice guide to help organisations support unpaid carers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. 

Carers UK found that carers from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds were more anxious about their current financial situation and more likely to be impacted by the closure of local services. Unpaid carers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are more likely to state that the services in their area did not meet their needs. 

Many carers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic minority backgrounds do not recognise themselves as carers, with some languages lacking a distinct word for ‘carer.’ They may instead see themselves as a family member, due to cultural expectations and not access resources available to them as a result.

The briefing provides examples of good practice from organisations across the UK, that work with various minority communities. This includes the Irish in Britain Cuimhne Carers Project, the Chinese Community Wellbeing Society in Bristol, and Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project in Scotland. 

Matthew McKenzie, Chair of Carer UK’s Black, Asian and ethnic minority advisory group said:

“This report is an important step forward for ensuring that carers from minority backgrounds are adequately supported. It is essential that organisations recognise the distinct challenges that carers from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds face. This briefing can help organisations improve their processes and work to provide all carers in their communities with support that is tailored to meet their cultural needs.” 

Photo: Carers UK