Over a quarter (27%) of carers suffer bad or very bad mental health new research has found.

Carers UK State of Caring 2023 survey also found that of those suffering bad or very bad mental health, 36% said they had thoughts related to self-harm or suicide.

Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said: “Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution to society, but far too regularly feel unseen, undervalued and completely forgotten by services that are supposed to be there to support them.

“The unrelenting pressure of not being able to take breaks from caring, being able to prioritise their own health or earn enough money to make ends meet is causing many to hit rock bottom.

“Unpaid carers desperately need to be recognised and supported with their caring roles. Working with local authorities, the government and NHS England must drive a programme of quicker and more targeted interventions to prevent poor mental health amongst carers.”

The Liberal Democrats have called for a £1 billion package of support for carers, including better access to respite and increasing the carer’s allowance by £10 each week with a further inflation linked rise in March.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We are grateful for the vital role that unpaid carers play and to support their health and wellbeing, we have allocated £327 million this year to provide short breaks and respite services.

“In addition to this, we are also investing at least £2.3 billion extra a year in expanding and transforming mental health services in England by March 2024. This will enable an extra 2 million people, including unpaid carers, to be treated by NHS mental health services by March 2024.”