“We care for carers”: St Luke’s team opens up for Carers Week 2025

For Carers Week 2025, we’re shining a light on the hidden heroes who care for loved ones, often without recognition, and the support we offer to help them feel seen, valued and less alone.

There are more than 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK today – people looking after a loved one who is ill, disabled or nearing the end of life.

Many don’t even realise they’re carers. They say, “I’m not his carer, I’m his wife,” or “I’m just doing what anyone would do.”

But behind those words might be long days, sleepless nights, stress, exhaustion – and often, silence.

At St Luke’s Hospice, our Patient and Family Support Team sees these hidden heroes here in Harrow and Brent every day.

And this Carers Week 2025, we’re sharing their voices to highlight both the weight carers carry – and how we help lift it.

“Often people are carers for a short but intense period of time,” says Patricia McCrossan, Head of Patient and Family Support. “At the end of someone’s life, there’s a real theme of uncertainty – what’s going to happen, when, and how.”

Caroline Reynolds, Social Worker, agrees: “Caring for someone at end of life can be physically and emotionally demanding, but also very rewarding. One of the biggest challenges is navigating the system – knowing who to call, how to get support.”

But for many, the first hurdle is recognising they’re even in a caring role.

“They don’t always appreciate that they are caring. They don’t label themselves as such,” explains Rhonda Culshaw, Bereavement Lead.

That lack of identification can stop people from reaching out for help – when they often need it most.

St Luke’s provides a wide range of support, from emotional and peer group sessions to complementary therapies and Carers’ Retreat Days.

“It’s a semi-respite from their caring role,” says Caroline. “A chance to meet others in the same situation and, hopefully, feel less alone.”

This year’s Carers Week theme is Caring About Equality, spotlighting the disadvantages carers face – missed career and study opportunities, poor physical and mental health, and increased financial hardship.

“They may feel guilty if they’re not coping,” says Patricia. “But no human being could cope with what some carers are facing alone. We help give them permission to seek support and think about themselves.”

And that support doesn’t stop after their caring role ends.

“We have a bereavement service,” adds Rhonda. “So we stay in touch when they become bereaved. That continuity matters.”

One of the most valuable things we offer is the chance for carers to connect.

“The greatest gift we give some carers is to meet another carer,” says Patricia. “It can be a lonely experience – but when someone else truly understands, it makes a world of difference.”

At St Luke’s, we’re here for the carers – before, during and after their caring journey—to remind them they are seen, valued, and never alone.