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Unpaid carers spend at least 35 hours a week looking after someone close to them. That someone may have an illness, a disability, a mental health problem or even an addiction, but what matters is that they cannot cope without that care.

There are almost 6 million unpaid carers in the UK with 40% living in poverty according to charity Carers UK.

This week we have a special audio diary from one carer trying to hold down a job around those care commitments, we will also hear from those who have given up work to care full time.

The Department for Work and Pensions told us; 'We recognise the importance of carers, who play a vital role in our communities. We have increased Carer鈥檚 Allowance by almost 拢1,500 since 2010, with those on low incomes potentially eligible for an extra 拢2,400 a year.'

So if you're unsure about the rules around carers allowance, assessments and where you can get help and support, Felicity Hannah is joined by Emily Holzhausen, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK and Caroline Abrahams, Head of Charity at Age UK,

Presenter: Felicity Hannah
Producer: Sarah Rogers
Editor: Sara Wadeson

This episode was first broadcast on the 1st May 2024.