Supporting Unpaid Carers

Ontex, a leading global provider of personal hygiene products, is proud to partner with Grace Cares, an award-winning not-for-profit organisation, to launch Carer Connect a new initiative dedicated to understanding and supporting the millions of unpaid carers across the UK.

At the heart of Carer Connect is a nationwide consultation, led by Vicki Marshall, who recently joined Grace Cares in a newly created part-time role, part-funded by Ontex. Drawing on over two decades of NHS experience and a personal passion for community wellbeing.

“Unpaid carers are often the invisible support holding families and communities together,” said Vicki. “Many don’t even recognise themselves as carers, they’re simply looking after someone they love. But they deserve to be recognised, respected, and supported.”

Unpaid carers play a critical yet under-supported role in society. According to Carers UK, there are an estimated 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK, contributing care worth around £132 billion annually. That is the equivalent of a second NHS. Yet many go without access to even the most basic support or recognition.

Want to Get Involved?: If you’re an unpaid carer, are an organisation who already offers support or signposting to help unpaid carers, or if you’d like to support the Carer Connect initiative, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch: hello@grace-cares.com