South Tees organisations are coming together during Carers Week 2026 (8–14 June) to encourage individuals, businesses and organisations to sign the South Tees Carers Pledge and show their support for unpaid carers.
Led by We Care You Care and supported by Middlesbrough Council, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Carers Together, The Junction Foundation and Teesside Mind, the pledge campaign is returning for its second year as part of a wider effort to raise awareness of unpaid caring across South Tees.
People and organisations can sign the South Tees Carers Pledge at: wecareyoucare.info/carers-week-pledge-2026
In South Tees, an estimated 30,000 people provide unpaid care for a family member or friend, with some young carers taking on caring responsibilities from as young as five years old.
Unpaid carers provide essential support to family members or friends because of illness, frailty, a disability, mental health conditions or substance dependency, often balancing their caring role alongside work, education and family life.
Stacey Skilton, Head of Service at WithYou in Redcar and Cleveland, and a champion for carers in the workplace said:
"Recognising and supporting carers is essential for every employer. Creating a workplace where carers feel
valued strengthens relationships, improves staff retention and builds a more resilient and compassionate workforce.”
Pat Matten, an unpaid carer from Saltburn, added:
"Too often, carers are overlooked. There have been times when I've felt ignored as a carer and excluded
from conversations about care, despite being the person providing most of the support at home."
During Carers Week there is a range of opportunities for people to learn more about unpaid caring, connect with local support services and find out how they can get involved.
Information stands will be available at: Parkway Shopping Centre, Coulby Newham and James Cook Hospital on Monday 8 June, and Redcar Market on Friday 12 June.
The full programme and event details can be found at wecareyoucare.info/carers-week-2026
Melanie Kendall, Project Lead for We Care You Care, said:
"Many people don't recognise themselves as carers because they see what they do as simply being a husband, wife, parent, child or friend. But caring is a role that can have a significant impact on a person's health, wellbeing and daily life.
"Too often, carers miss out on support because they don't identify themselves as carers or don't know where to turn for help. This Carers Week, we want every unpaid carer across South Tees to feel seen, valued and aware of the support available to them.”
