Carers Rights Day: Support Means Structure

Each year, Carers Rights Day reminds us of the vital role that unpaid carers play and of the urgent need to recognise, support, and protect them. But awareness alone isn’t enough. 

Rights must be backed by real, accessible, day-to-day support. Because for too many carers, even basic rights like rest, recognition, and emotional space remain out of reach. 

At Sacana, we believe support means structure. And structure means having something in place before stress, exhaustion, or isolation takes its toll. 

The Hidden Majority 

In the UK, 1 in 7 employees is a working carer (Carers UK, 2022). Some are supporting elderly parents. Others care for partners, siblings, or adult children. Most do so quietly, under pressure, without visibility, and often without support from their employer. 

They are showing up for work. They are showing up for loved ones. But no one is showing up for them. 

The result? 

Higher rates of absenteeism 

Increased risk of burnout 

Significant retention losses across NHS, local authorities, and corporate employers alike 

600 people leave the UK workforce every day due to caring responsibilities (Carers UK & CEBR, 2019). That’s not sustainable. And it’s not necessary. 

What Working Carers Actually Need 

Let’s be clear: most carers aren’t asking for grand gestures. They’re asking for: 

• Peace of mind during the workday 

• Flexible, stigma-free support for the person they care for 

• Permission to be human, without fear of judgement or penalty 

• Trustworthy services that understand their situation 

This is where Sacana fits. 

We provide structured, real-time video conversations delivered by trained professionals – not to replace care, but to supplement it with human connection. 

That means: 

• A carer can focus at work, knowing their loved one isn’t alone. 

• A loved one gains meaningful, moderated interaction that supports emotional and cognitive wellbeing. 

• Employers gain retention, resilience, and reputation in return. 

Rights Are Not Optional. Neither Is Support. 

The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 and equivalent legislation across the UK place clear duties on local authorities and public bodies to identify and support carers. But implementation remains patchy, especially when it comes to preventative, non-clinical services. 

Carers need more than signposting. They need support they can trust. 
That includes: 

• Scalable digital access for isolated or rural families 

• Multilingual, culturally aware delivery 

• Flexible models that don’t require diagnosis or disclosure 

• Workplace-aligned access for employed carers 

Sacana meets these needs. It’s not an app. It’s not a helpline. 
It’s a person. A trained, safeguarded, professional – ready to connect, support, and relieve pressure. 

A Systemic Risk. A Human Cost. 

Without structural support, carers face: 

• Accelerated mental and physical health deterioration 

• Increased reliance on primary care 

• Earlier entry into paid social care services for the person they care for 

This isn’t just a wellbeing issue. It’s a systems issue. 

The NHS, adult social care, and the corporate workforce all rely on unpaid carers to function. Every carer who burns out represents cost, capacity loss, and human toll. 

By supporting carers preventatively, we protect the stability of entire services. 

A Right to Thrive 

Carers Rights Day isn’t about charity. It’s about equity. 

It’s about ensuring that those who quietly hold everything together don’t fall apart themselves. 

With Sacana, carers gain: 

• A discreet, always-on safety net 

• A break in the day where connection happens without responsibility falling solely on them 

• A partner that understands they need help too 

And in turn, our public services, employers, and communities gain sustainability, compassion, and capacity. 

This November let’s stop asking carers to do more. Let’s give them more. 

More space. More peace of mind. More structure. More rights backed by action. 

Talk. Connect. Thrive. Support carers like we mean it. 

Reach out at enquiries@sacana.com to learn more how we can support you.