Posted on Monday 9th June 2025
Carer Paul Challinor with Jane Carpenter from Together for Carers
A new campaign to remind male carers that support is available and to encourage them to access the help has been launched in Staffordshire.
Thousands of people in Staffordshire provide unpaid care or support to a family member or friend, and many of these carers are men. Caring can be challenging and research shows that men are far less likely to consider themselves a carer and to seek the help they need.
Paul Challinor, of Hilderstone, has been caring for his father, who has dementia and other health conditions, for more than 10 years. Now as part of National Carer’s Week from 9 to 6 June, he is urging other male carers to take advantage of the support available.
Paul said:
“A lot of men don’t recognise themselves as carers, and if they do, some feel guilty about asking for help as they feel they should try and manage everything themselves.
“The one thing I’d say to male carers is not to be embarrassed. Reach out and ask for help. Get a carer’s assessment like me, because that opens up much needed support, and it was easy to do. You can’t care for your loved one if you’re not caring for yourself first.”
Staffordshire County Council has teamed up with Together for Carers Staffordshire to provide carers with practical support to help them to live happier, healthier and more independent lives. Advice on work and caring, benefits and taking a break from caring duties is available along with access to an assessment tool that can help identify areas of help someone may require.
Anyone looking after someone long-term or every now and then with physical or mental health needs, is an unpaid carer. Caring for someone covers lots of different things, such as helping with washing, dressing, or eating, or taking them to appointments, supporting them emotionally, or ensuring that they are safe.
Martin Rogerson, Cabinet Member for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said:
“We have a huge army of dedicated unpaid carers in Staffordshire and it’s vital they have access to advice and support when they need it.
“We know that lots of men don’t recognise themselves as a carer, feel embarrassed to ask for help, or don’t feel that the support available is what they need. This campaign is all about reminding them that help is available.
“We want people to keep caring for as long as they want to, to stay happy and well, and take a break when needed. Using the online assessment tool helps carers highlight any issues they may have.”
Research shows that although more than 42% of the UK’s unpaid carers are male, one in four would not describe, recognise or acknowledge themselves as a carer. Here in Staffordshire, local organisations have found that not even a quarter of carers who identify as a carer reach out for support. This means that most male carers do not get the support they need, despite 56% of male carers aged 18-64 saying being a carer had a negative impact on their mental health, with their health in general being described as fair or poor.
Further details and a link to the online assessment tool is available on the Staffordshire Together for Carers website.