Male Carers in the UK: Statistics and Challenges
There are 2.4 million male carers (41% of unpaid carers in the UK) and 3.5 million female carers (59%)
Older men aged 85-89 are the most intensive carers, with 7.4% providing 50+ hours weekly
- Awareness and claiming of Carer’s Allowance and assessments remain significantly lower for men
Nearly half of carers report worsened mental or physical health since caring started, with men less likely to seek support
Financial hardship impacts many carers, exacerbated by insufficient recognition of male carers’ needs
November is a vital month that combines Carers Rights Day, International Men’s Day, and Men’s Health Awareness Month, focusing attention on the wellbeing of male carers in Solihull and across the UK. For the UK’s 2.4 million male carers, these overlapping themes form an urgent call to action: men must be supported not only in their caregiving roles but also in their own physical and mental health. This guide aims to empower men with knowledge about their physical and mental health, legal rights as carers, and the range of support services available.
For many male carers, reaching out for help is the hardest step but it’s also one of the strongest. We encourage you to access the support and resources available to you, because having the right help at the right time can make a world of difference for you and the person you care for.
Carers Rights Day: Understanding and Claiming Your Rights as a Male Carer
Carers Rights Day highlights that unpaid carers have important legal rights and access to support. In the UK, 2.4 million men provide unpaid care, representing around 41% of all unpaid carers, while women make up 59%. Despite this significant contribution, men can often underutilise support.
For example, Carer’s Allowance is available to carers providing 35+ hours of care a week. However, only about 27% of claimants are men, with women claiming the other 73%. Moreover, around 1.4 million carers are eligible but do not claim Carer’s Allowance, indicating a large unmet need possibly due to lack of awareness, social stigma, or system complexity.
Men aged 85-89 provide the most intensive care, with 7.4% providing over 50 hours weekly. Such demanding care loads highlight the urgency for tailored support.
Following the Care Act 2014, it is now a legal requirement that unpaid carers are offered support in their caring role, below are some useful links to find out more about the types of support available.
Carer’s Allowance — for those providing 35+ hours weekly (GOV.UK)
Carer’s Credit — protects National Insurance records (GOV.UK)
Carer’s Assessments — support needs identified by the local authority (Solihull Council)
Employment rights — including flexible working and protection against discrimination (Carers UK)
We hold Carers Rights Day events every year. This year we will be holding two information events where you can drop in and find information and advice on a range of topics such as benefits, finding and paying for care, wills and power of attorney and more. We encourage you to come along and receive face-to-face support and advice from dedicated support networks and organisations in Solihull. You can find out more about our events below.
International Men's Day & Men's Mental Health Awareness Month: Promoting Male Health
International Men’s Day takes place on the 19th November celebrating positive male role models, health equity, and emotional wellbeing. Many male carers, balancing work, family, and care, are particularly vulnerable to stress and burnout. Men are underrepresented in mental health services and face higher suicide rates. Three in four UK suicides are men, and for male carers, combined physical and emotional strain raises the risk of depression and anxiety further.
Peer spaces like Andy’s Man Club, Mates in Mind and Men’s Sheds give men a safe space to talk. Research gathered by the UKMSA Health and Wellbeing Survey, 2023, suggests 39% of Leaders believe their Shed may have prevented at least one member from taking their life.
Locally, Oasis Mental Health Support offers counselling and emotional help for men in Solihull aged 17–65. Find more mental health support and resources, locally and Nationwide, with our Mental Health Hub.
Each year, International Men’s Day encourages breaking stigma and promotes emotional wellbeing, fostering stronger communities for men and carers alike. Men face distinct health challenges including prostate and testicular cancer, heart disease, and mental health disorders. Early detection and healthy lifestyle choices are critical but often overlooked due to caregiving demands.
The NHS and Solihull community services, including Oasis Mental Health Support, offer targeted health checks and mental wellbeing programmes. Campaigns by NHS and ManHealth stress the importance of peer support and breaking down cultural barriers preventing men from seeking help.
Empowering Men to Care for Themselves and Others
Men’s health and carers’ rights are deeply connected issues. Male carers often face challenges with health, financial security, and visibility. Raising awareness, encouraging early health interventions, and improving support uptake can enhance quality of life for men and those they care for.
At Carers Trust Solihull we are committed to supporting male carers with information, advice, practical help and peer support, to help them to maintain their own health and wellbeing while caring. We understand that support looks different for everyone and whether you just need pointing in the right direction or need more intense support we are here for you.
You can find a variety of information and resources via our Carers Essentials Guides and our Mental Health Hub has contact details for numerous organisations and services in Solihull and Nationwide. Whether you want to call, email, text, talk face-to-face, there is something there for everyone to find help they and you need.
Caring for someone, although rewarding can be emotionally and physically draining, many feel alone without the right support. If you are struggling we encourage you to reach out so that tomorrow can be a better day.
You can contact us via telephone (0121 788 1143) or email (centre@solihullcarers.org) or clicking here to visit our Contact page.
