NEW RESEARCH has found that almost half of unpaid carers in Wales do not feel their role is understood or valued by their community.

The findings have been released to mark the start of Carers Week 2026, which runs from Monday, June 8, to Sunday, June 14.

This year’s theme is Building Carer Friendly Communities, with charities calling for more practical support for people who look after relatives, friends or neighbours.

An Opinium poll of more than 4,100 people across the UK found that 45% of current carers in Wales feel their caring role is overlooked.

More than one in five current and former carers in Wales said they had been unable to take part in local groups or activities while caring, while 19% said they had been unable to get the support they needed from essential shops and services.

Carers Week charities say unpaid carers provide vital support to health and social care services, but many are left feeling isolated and unsupported.

The report says 12,000 people across the UK take on unpaid caring responsibilities every day.

It warns that, without the right support, caring can affect people’s health and wellbeing, household finances, employment, education and social opportunities.

Some services were rated more positively than others. In Wales, 73% of current and former carers who used a pharmacy said it was carer friendly. However, more than a third of those who had used public transport said it was not carer friendly.

Nearly one in three current carers in Wales said better understanding of their role would make them feel happier. Almost a quarter said it would make them feel more valued, while 24% said it would make them feel less stressed.

Rob Simkins, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers Wales said: “Without the sacrifice and dedication of hundreds of thousands of unpaid carers across Wales, our health and social care systems would be overwhelmed and hundreds of thousands of people receiving care would live more difficult lives.

“With an ageing population and growing prevalence of complex care needs, it’s vital that together in Wales we build carer friendly communities that can help to recognise and support carers.”

Carers UK and its charity supporters, including Age UK, Carers Trust, MND Association, Rethink Mental Illness, The ME Association and The Lewy Body Society, are encouraging communities to share good practice and take practical steps to support carers.

A carer friendly community is described as a place, space or organisation that values carers, identifies them, listens to their experiences and responds so they are not left to cope alone.

Members of the public are also being asked to show support by adding their name to a digital wall on the Carers Week website.

TWO PEMBROKESHIRE hotels have secured a leading international environmental accreditation.

St Brides Spa Hotel in Saundersfoot and Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront have both achieved ISO 14001 certification, an independently audited standard recognising strong environmental management and continuous improvement.

The hotels are part of The Celtic Collection, Wales’ largest independent hotel group, which has now achieved the standard across all ten of its hotels in South Wales, as well as International Convention Centre Wales.

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS

The accreditation recognises work already being carried out at the two Pembrokeshire hotels, including carbon reduction strategies, zero waste to landfill, and improved recycling systems.

Food waste from the hotels is sent to be turned into biogas renewable energy, while waste oil is converted into biodiesel.

Both hotels also work with local and seasonal suppliers, including Pembrokeshire food producers, helping to reduce food miles while supporting farmers and fishermen in the county.

The Celtic Collection said the certification builds on more than 30 years of sustainable business practice and follows the group achieving Green Dragon Level 4 status in 2025.

‘RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS’

Russell Phillips, Vice-President of Facilities and Development at The Celtic Collection said: “Across The Celtic Collection we combine exceptional hospitality and large-scale event capability with a commitment to responsible delivery.

“This is now all underpinned by ISO 14001, which ensures we are continually reducing our impact on the environment.

“Achieving ISO 14001 has been a long-held goal for The Celtic Collection and demonstrates our investment in and commitment to becoming a more responsible business.”

Energy and Sustainability Manager Fitzroy Hutchinson said colleagues across the hotels had played a key role in the achievement.

He said: “A key focus for the team has been the successful activation of colleagues in driving positive and continuous change.

“At each of our hotels, Environmental Working Parties include representatives from across the business to ensure sound environmental practice is part of everyday, and that new ideas are brought forward frequently.”

CERTIFICATION PRAISED

William Christie, Director of accrediting body A Cube TIC said: “We recognise that this journey requires commitment, leadership and hard work from everyone.

“This is required to not only achieve the certification but also to maintain the certification.

“This is a remarkable milestone that reflects strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices.”

Photo caption: Green standard: Team members at St Brides Spa Hotel and Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront celebrate achieving ISO 14001 certification.

TWO YOUNG St John Ambulance Cymru Badgers have been praised for using their first aid skills after their grandad suffered a head injury at home.

Menna and Bronwen Laurence-Elias, who are members of the Carmarthen Division, were being looked after by their grandad when he had a small fall and cut his head.

The girls had recently completed a First Aid Badger module with their local Badger Sett and quickly put what they had learned into practice.

They stayed calm, called their dad to explain what had happened, remained with their grandad, and made sure the door was unlocked so help could get into the house.

Calm response

Their parents, Daniel Elias and Jemma Laurence, both work in healthcare and are also St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers. They had taught the children to call them if there was a problem, and to only ring 999 in an emergency.

Daniel said: “They both stayed really calm, rang me and were completely calm telling me what had happened.

“Bronwen said Menna was putting pressure on the cut and had even unlocked the door for me before I got there.

“I gave the cut a quick clean and applied some steri-strips with Menna’s help, whilst Bronwen instructed me on what to do.

“I cannot be prouder of them for what they have learnt in Badgers and how calm they both were in what must have been quite a stressful situation for such young people.

“We’re grateful for the fantastic work of the Badger Leaders, teaching our future generations first aid and how to deal with emergencies.”

‘Quick thinking’

St John Ambulance Cymru’s Badger groups are for children aged five to eleven. As well as first aid, members learn about a range of other subjects, including communication and outer space.

Donna Jones, who leads the St John Ambulance Cymru Badgers in Carmarthen, said: “We are so delighted to hear of their quick thinking and sensible, calm response in a real-life situation.

“We presented them both with their own little Badger during our next session. Whilst they were both shocked and humble, we felt it was really important to acknowledge how smart they were on that day and how proud we are of them.”

St John Ambulance Cymru says its young people’s programmes help children and teenagers learn confidence, teamwork and lifesaving skills.

More information about Badgers, for children aged five to eleven, and Cadets, for young people aged eleven to fifteen, is available at www.sjacymru.org.uk/young-people.

Caption:

Quick thinking: Menna and Bronwen Laurence-Elias used the first aid skills they learned as St John Ambulance Cymru Badgers to help their grandad after he cut his head at home (Pic: St John Ambulance Cymru).