Women make up 59% of all unpaid carers in Scotland. An unpaid carer is a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who helps someone with activities that they would not be able to manage without help. Care may be needed by someone who has a long term or terminal illness, someone who is disabled, has a mental health condition, is affected by addiction or someone who needs extra help as they grow older.
The work carried out by unpaid carers is estimated to cost £13.1 billion every year.
Providing unpaid care can often bring financial strain. Poverty rates for carers are higher than that of those who have no caring responsibilities. This may be due to not being able to work enough hours to make ends meet due to their caring responsibilities.