Become a Carer Champion

What is a Carer Champion? 

A Carer Champion is someone who helps identify, support, and advocate for unpaid carers within an organisation or community. Carer Champions raise awareness, promote understanding, and make sure carers know what help is available. They play a key role in creating an environment where carers feel recognised, valued, and supported. 

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Why Carer Champions matter 

Many carers don’t see themselves as carers and may not know about the support they’re entitled to. This can lead to stress, isolation, or burnout.

Carer Champions help bridge that gap by: 

• Spotting when someone might be a carer 
• Signposting to local or national support services 
• Encouraging carers to look after their own wellbeing 
• Promoting carer-friendly policies 
• Helping create a culture of understanding and inclusion 

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Who can become a Carer Champion? 

Anyone with an interest in supporting carers can become a Carer Champion. You do not need professional experience — just empathy, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn. You can be a Carer Champion if you are also a carer yourself.  

Carer Champions may be: 

• Staff members 
• Volunteers 
• Community leaders 
• People with lived experience of caring 
• People passionate about wellbeing and inclusion 

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What does a Carer Champion do? 

Carer Champions typically: 

✔ Raise awareness 

• Share information about carers’ rights 
• Promote events such as Carers Week 
• Help others understand what caring looks like
   

✔ Offer signposting 

• Know where to direct carers for support 
• Provide guidance on local services, benefits, and organisations
   

✔ Support carers in the workplace/community 

• Listen without judgement 
• Encourage carers to access help early 
• Promote flexible or carer-friendly policies (where relevant)
   

✔ Build connections 

• Link with local carer organisations 
• Work with wellbeing teams or HR (if in a workplace setting) 

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If you are interested in becoming a Carer Champion 

Get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator via email at: volunteering@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk

to find out more.

We can offer you: 

• Training and support 
• An introduction to caring and carer needs 
• Basic safeguarding awareness 
• Signposting and resource training 
• Ongoing support from our team