The life and times of an unpaid carer.

Final post in this series Setting the Scene From accessibility barriers to healthcare inequalities, education gaps, employment challenges, housing shortages, and justice obstacles disabled people in the UK face systemic disadvantages across every stage of life. Yet these challenges are not inevitable. They are the result of choices, policies, and cultural attitudes that can be…

Setting the Scene Justice and safety are fundamental rights, yet disabled people in the UK often face disproportionate risks of violence, exploitation, and discrimination. Barriers within the justice system mean that many cannot access the protection or redress they deserve. — 🚨 Safety Concerns — ⚖️ Barriers to Justice — 🧠 Discrimination and Rights — 📊 Data Snapshot —…

If all unpaid carers in the UK stopped caring, the health and social care system would collapse almost immediately. Over 5.8 million unpaid carers provide care worth an estimated £184 billion annually, more than the entire NHS budget. Without them, millions of vulnerable people would lose essential daily support, and the state would face an…

Setting the Scene A safe, accessible home is the foundation of independence. Yet for many disabled people in the UK, housing remains one of the greatest barriers to living freely and with dignity. Shortages of adapted homes, underfunded social care, and bureaucratic hurdles leave thousands struggling to achieve the independence they deserve. — 🏘️ The…

Setting the Scene Work is more than income, it provides identity, independence, and social connection. Yet disabled adults in the UK face persistent barriers to employment and economic security, leaving many excluded from opportunities that others take for granted. — 📉 The Disability Employment Gap — 🧾 Economic Pressures — ⚖️ Workplace Culture and Stigma — 📊 Data Snapshot…

Setting the Scene Education is meant to be the great equaliser, but for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the UK, the system often falls short. Despite legal entitlements, many families struggle to secure the support their children need to thrive. — 📚 Barriers in Education — 🧠 Impact on Children and Families —…

Setting the Scene Healthcare should be a universal right, yet disabled people in the UK often face systemic barriers that compromise their wellbeing. From inaccessible services to discriminatory attitudes, these inequalities contribute to poorer health outcomes and reduced independence. — 🚑 Barriers in Healthcare Access — 🧾 Navigating Social Care — ⚖️ Discrimination and Attitudes — 📊 Data Snapshot…

Setting the Scene Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and lifts, it’s about creating a society where everyone can participate fully. Yet for many disabled people in the UK, everyday life is still shaped by barriers that restrict independence, dignity, and opportunity. — 🏙️ Physical Infrastructure — 💻 Digital Exclusion — 🧠 Attitudinal Barriers — 📊 Why This Matters Accessibility…

From April, 2025, the dominant UK media storyline about disability was driven by government benefit and budget changes (coverage of PIP/Universal Credit reforms, SEND funding and budget measures). That policy focus produced wide public debate and a surge of both critical reporting and alarmist / stigmatising language in some outlets and broadcasts, and strong pushback…

Unpaid and Young carers in Wales have a number of statutory rights under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, many of which are set out in the Charter for Unpaid Carers.   Key rights include: Where Welsh Government and Local Authorities Need to Do Better Despite these rights, there are important gaps between policy and reality. Some of…