Counting Down to the International Day of Care and Support: Unpaid Carers Prepare to Raise Their Voices
On 29 October, communities around the world will come together to mark the United Nations International Day of Care & Support, which shines a spotlight on the vital role of care in our societies. For Carers Worldwide, it is one of the most inspiring days of the year. It is a moment when unpaid family carers step into the public eye, share their experiences, celebrate their achievements, and call for the recognition and support they deserve.
Across India, Nepal and Bangladesh, preparations are underway. Thousands of carers, our local charity partners, government representatives and community leaders will take part in rallies, public events, human chains and advocacy activities. Together, they will send a powerful message: unpaid carers matter.
Why the International Day of Care & Support Matters
Every day, millions of people provide unpaid care for family members who are living with disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health challenges or age-related needs. Their care keeps families together, supports health systems, and strengthens communities. Yet too often, carers remain unseen.
Many carers face financial hardship, social isolation and barriers to education or employment. Despite the enormous contribution they make, there is still limited recognition of their role in many countries.
That is why the International Day of Care & Support is so important. It creates an opportunity for unpaid carers to come together, share their experiences and engage directly with decision makers. It is also a chance to celebrate carers' resilience, expertise and commitment, while highlighting the practical support they need.
“For years, we cared for our families without anyone recognising our work. We are now coming together, raising our voices and asking the government to recognise and support all carers.”
From Awareness to Action
At Carers Worldwide, we have seen first-hand that visibility can lead to change.
When unpaid carers organise collectively and connect with local authorities to advocate for their rights, meaningful progress can happen. The International Day of Care & Support has become a powerful platform for these conversations, helping carers move from being overlooked to being recognised as an important constituency within society.
The day is not simply about raising awareness. It is about influencing policy and securing practical support for carers and their families.
This is particularly important across South Asia, where many carers face significant challenges.
Celebrations Planned Across India
This year's programme in India promises to be bigger than ever.
In the state of Karnataka, the state government is planning a major event on 30 October, which is expected to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister.
Also in Karnataka, our local charity partners BIRDS, SAMUHA, Margadarshi and the Viswa Chetana Carers Association are planning rallies and human chains and organising events and public meetings. These events will celebrate carers and include participation from government officials and elected representatives and civil society organisations.
In Tamil Nadu, our local charity partners WORD Pudukkottai and Vasantham Federation will also be holding rallies, human chains and public gatherings, with government officials and elected representatives expected to attend. They will also be submitting memoranda to local authorities.
In the state of Odisha, carers and our local charity partners are mobilising across 14 blocks, with rallies, human chains and memoranda being submitted to local authorities.
These activities will ensure that carers' voices are heard at every level, from local communities to state government institutions.
A Strong Voice for Carers in Nepal
In Nepal, the Carers Alliance Nepal, our local charity partners SGCP Nepal, TPO Nepal, and other alliance members are organising a rally and human chain in Kathmandu on 29 October.
Plans are also underway for a seminar that will share findings from a recent carers policy review, although final confirmation is still pending following the impact of recent natural disasters.
The determination of unpaid carers in Nepal is inspirational. Even when faced with political uncertainty and environmental challenges, carers continue to organise, advocate and support one another.
“Life is not always easy for us as family carers, but when we come together, we feel stronger and more confident to speak up. We want people and the government to recognise our work and give us the support we need.”
Building Momentum in Bangladesh
Exciting celebrations are also planned across Bangladesh, with our local charity partner Centre for Disability in Development (CDD).
In Dinajpur in the north of the country, events will be attended by the local Member of Parliament as chief guest, demonstrating growing political recognition of carers' issues.
The Savar Carers Association, based just outside the capital Dhaka, will celebrate the day in collaboration with local authorities and is hopeful that their local Member of Parliament will attend as chief guest.
Meanwhile, Carers Alliance Bangladesh is planning a larger national celebration in November 2026. Organisers are working to secure participation from representatives of relevant ministries so that unpaid carers can engage directly with national decision-makers.
“I’m looking forward to seeing carers’ voices being heard and their mental well-being recognised as a priority. I hope this day inspires everyone to care for those who care for others.”
Celebrating Real Progress Since Last Year
As we look forward to this year's celebrations, there is another reason to be optimistic: last year's advocacy efforts have already delivered tangible results.
In the areas supported by our partners WORD Pudukkottai and the Vasantham Federation in Tamil Nadu, more than 150 carers submitted memoranda requesting UDID disability identity cards for their family members. Every applicant has now received a card, enabling access to disability pensions and other important support.
In addition, eight carers in WORD Pudukkottai's project area have secured free housing valued at ₹5 lakh (approximately £3,952) each, representing a total investment of ₹40 lakh (approximately £31,613) in carers' families.
Further north, carers supported by our partners BIRDS and SAMUHA successfully advocated for financial assistance from local authorities. More than 100 carers have since received grants of ₹9,000 (approximately £71) each, allowing them to address urgent household needs.
These achievements may sound simple, but they represent something significant: proof that when carers organise and speak with a united voice, decision-makers listen.
Looking Ahead
The International Day of Care & Support is growing into a powerful movement across South Asia. What began as a day of recognition is increasingly becoming a catalyst for lasting change.
This October, thousands of carers will gather once again to celebrate their contribution, build solidarity and advocate for a better future. They will march through towns and cities, meet decision-makers, share their stories and remind their communities that care is essential to all of us.
We are excited to stand alongside them.
But recognition is only the first step. The ultimate goal, and our vision, is a world in which every carer is valued and their needs are met. And with every rally, every conversation and every collective action, we move one step closer to making that vision a reality.
If you would like to help us achieve this vision, then please do give a gift to support our work.
