Across the UK, over a fifth of people are currently providing unpaid care. This means there could be as many as 37,477 unpaid carers in Kingston. Because caregiving largely takes place at home and is often considered a family duty, carers can remain unseen, unheard and unsupported in our community. We want to change this. 

Our vision is a future where carers are recognised, valued and enabled to live and care well. It is a future where carers are supported to provide care safely, have their own health needs addressed and are treated as equal partners in the care of a loved one. Our new strategy sets out what we will do over the next five years to make this vision a reality. 

Why now? 

At Kingston Carers Network, we see carers dealing with the fallout of a broken and under-resourced health and care system on a daily basis. Commitments to reform remain slow and the positive rhetoric around carers is often unmatched by investment and practical action.  

Despite these challenges, we choose hope over crisis. We believe change is both possible and necessary. We have developed our strategy in response to these pressures and within the context of the NHS 10-year plan, which sets out a focus on prevention, community-based care and digital transformation. We believe a systems-wide approach, that connects services so unpaid carers don’t fall through the cracks, will be critical to its success. 

Our priorities 

As a small, borough-based charity, we are currently facing an unprecedented challenge to do more with less. We are struggling to keep pace with more referrals and greater complexity of carers’ needs, while navigating an incredibly tough funding environment and rising operational costs.  

To remain sustainable, we need to think differently about how we work, shifting from reactive and crisis-based support to a service centred on early intervention and prevention. We have therefore identified the following shifts we need to make: 

1. We need to improve our targeting of support to carers. We will focus our support more carefully so carers with the greatest needs receive timely help, while investing in digital tools and peer-based support to reach ‘hidden’ carers before they reach crisis point.  
2. We need to collaborate more within and beyond Kingston’s borders. A systems-wide approach to identification, referral and onward support will ensure carers can access joined-up support. We will champion greater collaboration between public and community providers, as well as exploring opportunities to co-locate and co-deliver our services.  
3. We need to centre carer voice and experience in local planning and decision-making. Carers, including young carers, will play a direct role in shaping local decisions so their experience informs how services are planned and delivered.   

How was our strategy developed? 

Our strategy was developed by staff, trustees and carers across the network. Locally, we have drawn on data, carer surveys and issues identified by the Kingston All-Age Carers Partnership Board. Nationally, we have drawn on research and analysis from our network partners.  

A central part of developing this strategy was clarifying and strengthening our values. Our CARER values – Compassion, Authenticity, Representation, Expertise and Relationships – have long shaped who we are, and will now more clearly guide how we deliver support and work in partnership. 

Get involved 

Our work depends on partnerships both within and beyond the Kingston community, from trusts and foundations through to local businesses and voluntary groups. Whether you are an individual or an organisation, there are multiple ways you can support our work. 

If you are excited by our strategy and want to learn more about our future plans and ways you could get involved, please contact ceo@kingstoncarers.org.uk. 

Click here to read our full strategy. 

This incredible achievement means we can provide even more respite activities, support and joyful moments for Kingston’s young carers in 2026. 

Big Give is a match-funding platform that connects charities, philanthropists and the public to double donations for a limited time. In December, we took part in the Christmas Challenge, Britain’s biggest public fundraiser of 2025, which ran from midday on 2 to 9 December, alongside 1,591 other charities. 

Our volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to spread the word and secure donations, while our media partners at Radio Jackie championed the campaign on air, helping us reach even more local supporters. 

“This was our first time taking part in the Big Give and we were overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community, which enabled us to surpass our target and raise an incredible £11,096,” said our CEO, Rachael Stokes. “An especial thanks to the Shanly Foundation, our Big Give champion partner, who provided match funding for the campaign.” 

There are more than 2,000 young carers in Kingston who look after a family member living with an illness, disability or addiction. Caring responsibilities can take a significant toll on a young person’s education, physical and mental health and future life opportunities. Nearly half of young carers registered with our service report that they are struggling with their mental health due to the pressures of being a carer. 

These vital funds will now support our Young Carers Project in 2026. The project equips young carers with the skills, information and support they need to navigate their caring responsibilities. This includes our school transitions programme, which helps young carers in Year 6 prepare for the move to secondary school, our annual Dream Big conference and our young adult carers support group. 

We also provide respite activities during the school holidays, enabling young carers to take a break from caring, build friendships with peers who understand their experiences and enjoy their right to a happy, healthy childhood. 

As one young carer who took part in our half-term activities last week shared: “I’ve only been ice skating once because we can’t afford it. Today, one young carer saw me struggling and brought a penguin over to help me. When I fell over, everyone came over and checked on me, which made me feel special. I love being here, thank you to the Young Carers Project for giving me these opportunities.” 

We thank everyone who donated, shared our appeal and supported the campaign, and look forward to making an even bigger difference for young carers in 2026. 

Missed out on taking part in the Big Give? You can still support us by donating here.  

The annual Big Issue 100 Changemakers programme recognises 100 organisations across the UK that are creating meaningful social change in their communities. Our inclusion highlights the vital work taking place in Kingston to support unpaid carers and ensure their voices are heard.  

“In a year marked by political hostility, economic pressure and deepening inequality, many on this list are pushing back against narratives that divide,” said the Big Issue’s deputy digital editor, Sophia Alexandra Hall, who has edited the last three Changemakers editions.  

Every day, Kingston Carers Network works alongside carers to provide information, advice and opportunities to connect with others who understand their experiences. We also advocate for improvements to local services to better meet their needs.  

“This recognition belongs to our whole network – the carers who shape our work, the volunteers who give their time, our dedicated staff team and the partners across Kingston who stand alongside us,” said Kingston Carers Network CEO Rachael Stokes. “Being named a Changemaker reflects what can be achieved when local people come together to support one another. We thank our local MP Sir Ed Davey for nominating us for the award.” 

You can read more about the 2026 Changemakers on the Big Issue website