As I was on my Saturday morning hike last weekend, I was thinking about what more could be done to help unpaid carers. I had been following a few conversations on that topic on social media and was coming up empty on ways to move the conversation forward. So I thought I’d ask an expert. A few days later, I was on a zoom call with Katy Styles, the founder of the We Care Campaign and all-round campaigning powerhouse. I learnt so much from our discussion, here is some of it… with more to come.

– Tell me about yourself, how would you introduce yourself at a dinner party?

Born into caring, I’ve been a carer since age 5, caring for various family members. But it wasn’t until my husband left work due to MND (Motor Neurone Disease), nine years ago that I officially identified as a carer. Today, I juggle care for my husband, my mum who has had strokes, and my mother-in-law. I’m also a former geography teacher and an iced coffee addict.

– You are the founder of the We Care Campaign- can you tell us more about the organisation?

Five years ago, I founded We Care. Frustrated by the lack of attention unpaid carers received, I started a petition when the UK Government’s National Carers Strategy was brushed aside. It was clear that carers wanted to campaign but lacked guidance and energy. So, We Care was born, starting with a digital community on a laptop on my kitchen table via a Google Hangout call. No Zoom then! We have since grown to thousands of followers across the UK. Because of our size, we can be responsive and deal with tough topics other carer charities shy away from, we’re feisty; like a Jack Russell terrier.

– What are the campaign’s main objectives?

Our mission is crystal clear: amplify carers’ voices to UK decision-makers. As for me, campaigning isn’t as tough as it seems; it’s about building relationships and effective communication. I was told carers wouldn’t want to campaign but I found that is not true, they just need a bit of help and direction. My aim has always been to get more carers to do what I do, even if it is going to see their MP for the first time, that’s a huge win.

– In your experience, what are the biggest issues unpaid carers face?

Carers face pressing challenges today. The cost of living increases, impacting our finances as full-time caregivers. There’s a dire shortage of social care, breaks, and respite. Worst of all, many don’t grasp the vital role we play in society, upholding its very infrastructure.

– How do you get the government to engage with you to create actionable change? 

We raise carers’ voices in front of decision-makers, online and in person. We infuse lived experiences into our submissions, putting real stories alongside cold statistics. Petitions drive debates, and we connect carers with media interviews to ensure our issues stay in the spotlight.

Our award-winning film, “The Ones Who Care,” has touched 80,000 hearts, but we need more to see it. Hospitals, carer organisations, councils, and charities use it for training, providing a glimpse into caregivers’ world.

– What is the biggest policy change you would like to see happen?

My dream? A National Carers Strategy that values us. No more postcode lotteries; a unified approach is needed, one that supports carers, addresses finances, and holds someone accountable for our issues. The Care Act needs an overhaul; too few get carers’ assessments.

– Any big events coming up for the We Care Campaign?

In October, we’re bringing carers’ issues to the Senedd (the Welsh Parliament), in a unique way—on dusters. Craftivism unites us; carers stitch their concerns and send them in. This project forms a tight-knit online community, offering companionship to many isolated carers. I can’t wait to see our messages hanging in the Senedd for MSPs (members of the Welsh Parliament) to ponder.

– What would your message be to society at large about unpaid carers?

Carers are society’s backbone, supporting the NHS and Social Care systems. We don’t need applause or empty words; we need tangible actions. The time for recognition is now.

Huge thanks to Katy for her time and wisdom, please visit the We Care Campaign’s website to find out how to support: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/