Bolton: One in 10 Bolton people were providing unpaid care in 2021

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows 25,980 people in Bolton were looking after someone without being paid when the census was carried out in March 2021 – 9.8 per cent of the population over five years old in the area.

However, this was a fall from the previous census in 2011, when 12.4 per cent of people in the area were providing unpaid care.

In Bolton, 14,503 people were providing more than 20 hours of unpaid care a week in 2021 – including 8,601 people doing so for more than 50 hours a week.

Cllr Andy Morgan, the Executive Cabinet Member responsible for Adults Social Care said “More than 25,000 of us are providing unpaid care in Bolton, often while still going to work or education, for someone who otherwise couldn’t manage without their help for a variety of reasons, so many of us will assume the role of an unpaid carer at some point in our lives.

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“Being a carer is an enormous challenge at the best of times, but the past couple of years have been exceptionally difficult for both unpaid and professional carers alike.

“We are about to publish Bolton’s updated Carers Strategy which demonstrates our joint commitment in working together to ensure that all unpaid carers have access to the right information, support, and benefits. 

“I would like to thank all carers and assure them that everyone in Bolton appreciates, recognises, and values their efforts.” 

Georgette Kay, Chief Officer at Bolton Carers Support said: "I am surprised that the figure has fallen from what we hear on the ground. 

“Although a similar pattern has been seen nationally in the overall number of people identifying themselves as an unpaid carer. 

“We do know though that those carers who do contact our helpline have over recent years been contacting us with increasingly complex and challenging issues.

One in 10 people in Bolton were providing unpaid care as of 2021 (Image: Newsquest)

“However, when breaking down the figures, it can be seen both in Bolton and nationally that there has been an increase in the number of carers providing over 19 hours and over 50 hours of care to loved ones. 

“I really do feel that when answering questions on the Census, some people won't recognise that they are a carer, especially those who are possibly providing fewer hours and juggling this with work and other day to day commitments. 

“People sometimes slip into a caring role without realising and seeing themselves as a carer. 

“We are talking about unpaid carers, but the word carer is sometimes confused with a paid carer, which can also prevent people from identifying as an unpaid carer." 

The rate also fell across England and Wales over the decade, from 11.4 per cent  to nine per cent – although the ONS warns that as the census was carried out during the pandemic, many people may have been avoiding seeing elderly or vulnerable friends and family.

Carers UK said it was surprised that the overall figure had gone down, but added that many people may not self-report as a carer.

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Helen Walker, chief executive of the charity, said: “Most people consider themselves to be a partner, husband, wife, son, daughter, good friend or neighbour and don’t recognise themselves as unpaid carers.

“We know that there are potentially many more hidden carers out there that could be getting information, advice and support and it’s essential that public services recognise this in their planning and delivery.”

Ms Walker said that without the work of unpaid carers, "our health and social care systems would quite simply collapse".

She continued: "It is vital that the Government recognises the pressing needs of this huge swathe of people and develops a funded National Carers Strategy for England.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Health and Social Care said: “The government has prioritised health and social care in the Autumn Statement, with up to £7.5 billion available over the next two years to support adult social care services – the biggest funding increase in history.

“Specifically for unpaid carers, we are also providing local areas with over £290 million in funding for short breaks and respite services, as well as additional advice and support,” they added.

A large part of the work at Bolton Carers Support is encouraging individuals to recognise themselves as a carer. 

If you look after someone and would like to discuss your situation further, please contact Bolton Carers Support confidential helpline on 01204 363056.