Staffordshire is launching its annual Dignity in Care Awards with a special focus on unpaid carers ahead of Carers Week 2026, running from 8-14 June. The county council is calling on residents to nominate the unpaid carers who keep their communities running, whether they look after family members, friends or neighbours without any pay. Nominations are now open and close on 1 July.
The scale of unpaid care in Stafford and across Staffordshire is significant. Around 82,000 people – nearly one in ten of the county's population – provide unpaid care every week. This figure includes more than 1,600 young carers who juggle caring responsibilities alongside education and growing up. The economic value of their work is substantial: unpaid carers contribute approximately £2.6 billion a year to Staffordshire's communities.
Support is available for unpaid carers across Stafford through Staffordshire Together for Carers. The organisation offers a range of services including short breaks, counselling, benefits advice and opportunities for carers to meet others facing similar challenges. These services help ease the burden on those providing unpaid care in their local areas.
Nominating a carer in Stafford is a way to recognise their dedication and contribution to community life. The Dignity in Care Awards celebrate these everyday heroes and highlight the importance of their work. If you know an unpaid carer deserving of recognition, submit your nomination before the 1 July deadline.