One Year of Transformation: Celebrating the First Anniversary of Carers Producers Company, a Carers Co-operative
A year ago, a vision took root at BIRDS Bagalkote, one of Carers Worldwide's partners in the northern part of Karnataka State - a vision that empowered unpaid family carers to become entrepreneurs, gain financial independence, and reclaim their dignity within their families and communities. The Carers Co-operative launched by BIRDS a year ago, Carers Producers Company, was born out of a deep understanding of unpaid carers' daily struggles.
This month, as we celebrate its first anniversary, which our founder Anil Patil was able to attend, we reflect on the remarkable impact of Carers Producers Company on unpaid carers and their families.
What Exactly Is a Carers Co-Operative?
A Carers Co-operative, at its core, is a socio-economic model where unpaid family carers voluntarily come together to address common economic, social, and cultural needs through a co-owned and democratically controlled enterprise. It is a formal, registered organisation which has to comply with co-operative regulations.
Our Carers Co-operatives are pioneering in the world of co-operatives, as they have been especially designed for unpaid carers. As well as providing economic empowerment to its members, a Carers Co-operative also supports their social and cultural needs, reducing loneliness and isolation, and building a community with which to share moments of cultural significance such as national festivals and Carers Day.
For far too long, carers have remained invisible, their contributions unrecognised, and their financial dependence a barrier to self-worth. Through co-operatives like Carers Producers Company, carers can find a new path—one where they can generate income while continuing to provide quality care for their loved ones. This initiative not only brings about financial stability but also gives carers the confidence to face challenges, advocate for their rights, and engage with officials without hesitation.
Economic Freedom, Dignity, and Respect
The statistics speak volumes about the success of this initiative. Carers Producers Company currently has 256 unpaid carers as shareholders and aims to increase this number to 600 by its second anniversary. So far, 110 carers have received loans at a negligible 1% interest rate to establish small enterprises in agriculture, animal husbandry, small corner shops, tailoring, carpentry, vegetable selling, solar-powered roti-making machines, spice businesses, solar-powered Xerox machines, and more.
The model operates on a revolving fund, using the seed money and repaid amounts to support more unpaid carers. Impressively, carers have achieved a 100% repayment rate, demonstrating their commitment and success in business. Initially, carers borrowed between £50 and £100 to start their businesses, but now they confidently borrow up to £300 to expand their enterprises. The initial investment from Carers Worldwide in this initiative was approximately £8,500, and in just one year, it has grown to around £15,230, a testament to its sustainability and impact.
The stories of transformation are both inspiring and heartwarming. Take, for instance, Shantha, a mother of two who cares for her son with a severe disability. With the financial support provided through Carers Producers Company, she started a corner shop business along with a solar-powered Xerox machine, earning approximately £100-£120 per month.
“For the first time, I can contribute to household expenses and pay for my children's school fees. More than that, I feel respected in my family. I am not just a carer anymore—I am an entrepreneur.”
Similarly, Vijaylakshmi, who looks after her severely disabled daughter, began a tailoring business, earning approximately £50-£70 per month. The steady income allows her to provide better medical care and therapy for her daughter while securing a brighter future for herself.
“Earlier, I always worried about money. Now, I have financial security and the confidence to speak up for my rights.”
Breaking Barriers, Building Confidence
The impact of Carers Producers Company goes beyond financial empowerment. It has instilled a newfound confidence in the unpaid carers who are its shareholders, enabling them to engage with government officials and community leaders. They are no longer hesitant to demand their entitlements and speak up for better support systems. This shift in mindset is revolutionary; carers who once remained in the shadows are now active participants in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Asha, who runs a roti-making machine in a shop and sells rotis at the local market, earning approximately £120-£150 per month while caring for her severely disabled grandson, recalls a recent meeting she had with district officials that led to a major advocacy success. Thanks to these efforts, Bagalkote has become the first district in Karnataka where, if unpaid carers cannot get the medicines they need for those they care for at a government hospital and are forced to buy them from a local private pharmacy, the government will reimburse the full amount.
“I never thought I could stand before officials and talk about carers’ needs. But now, I speak with confidence because I know my worth. This initiative has given me more than money—it has given me a voice,”
Looking Ahead: A Future of Possibilities
As we mark this milestone, we celebrate not just the success of Carers Producers Company but the resilience of unpaid carers who have embraced change. The journey does not end here. With continued support, this model can be expanded to empower many more carers, ensuring that they no longer have to choose between caregiving and financial stability.
They have also set an ambitious goal for the next five years—to reach a turnover of £100,000. This vision reflects their determination to create a sustainable, thriving enterprise that continues to uplift carers and their families.
The first year of Carers Producers Company has been a testament to the power of economic empowerment in transforming lives. It is a beacon of hope, proving that when carers are given the right opportunities, they do not just survive—they thrive. As Carers Worldwide works to empower partners to develop locally sustainable models, this is a shining example of success.
Here’s to many more years of growth, dignity, and empowerment!
If you would like to help us continue our work supporting unpaid carers in low- and middle-income countries through initiatives such as this, then please do consider giving a gift.
