The 2011 Census showed that there were just under 600,000 black and minority
ethnic carers in England and Wales and as with carers in general, this group is steadily
increasing in number. The majority of black and minority ethnic carers are working
age and, as is typical for this age group, many simultaneously manage unpaid care
and paid employment (Yeandle et al., 2007; Carers UK, 2011a).
Key Messages
- Being a carer is very common. Irrespective of their ethnic or cultural
background, carers play a vital role in supporting others with disability or
illness, frequently extending how long those they care for can remain at
home. - Carers save the economy an enormous amount of money but often at
significant cost to themselves both to their well-being and in financial
terms. As a result, carers themselves often need support. - The experiences of black and minority ethnic carers are frequently
different and may be more challenging than those of white carers.
Black and minority ethnic carers are not only less likely to access services
but may also find services less satisfactory than white carers. - The effect of personalisation and the Care Act (2014) on black and minority
ethnic carers remains unclear. - Evidence for the effectiveness of supportive interventions for carers in
general is disappointing and evidence of their impact specifically on black
and minority ethnic carers is hard to find.
Author(s): Dr Nan Greenwood
Publisher: Race Equality Foundation
Publication date: October 2018
