The report also examined the physical and mental health implications of unpaid care. While caring for someone can be incredibly rewarding, Carers UK found, on the whole, that unpaid carers reported their duties had more negative effects than positive ones. 70% said caring had an impact on their mental health, while 60% said it affected their physical health. 43% said their role negatively impacted their relationships, too.

The strain of unpaid caring was also evident in how it affected people’s finances, which is particularly troubling during the ongoing cost of living crisis. 56% of unpaid carers said their role meant they struggled to find a job or sufficient time to be available for work and 54% said being an unpaid carer had affected their finances and savings.

A new study has revealed the huge mental health strain that unpaid carers are under