Kingston Carers Network signs national open letter calling for reform of Carer’s Allowance on 50th Anniversary
Kingston Carers Network has joined organisations across the UK in calling for urgent action to address carer poverty by signing a national open letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
The letter, coordinated by the Carer Poverty Coalition and led by Carers UK, was sent on 10 April 2026 and calls for a comprehensive review of Carer’s Allowance following the 50th anniversary of its introduction on 12 April 1976.
The anniversary has prompted renewed scrutiny of how well the benefit system reflects the realities of caring today. While Carer’s Allowance was designed for a very different economic and employment landscape, millions of unpaid carers now balance caring responsibilities with paid work. However, the current system - including the earnings threshold and restrictions around education and training - can create financial instability and barriers to opportunity.
The open letter calls on the Government to:
- Commission a full review of Carer’s Allowance
- Increase the level of financial support for carers
- Remove barriers to employment and education
- Address gaps in support for carers over State Pension age
- Consider additional financial recognition for carers supporting more than one person
Kingston Carers Network’s CEO, Rachael Stokes, is among the signatories to the letter, underlining our commitment to amplifying the voices of unpaid carers both locally and nationally.
We continue to highlight the financial pressures faced by unpaid carers in Kingston and the need for a system that better recognises and supports them.
If you are an unpaid carer in Kingston and would like support, we offer free information, advice and support to help with caring responsibilities and wellbeing.
Register with us or contact our friendly team for more information.
Read the full letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions here.
Kingston Carers Network nominated for two Kingston Borough Business Awards
We’re delighted to be finalists in two categories for the KBBA 2026 awards: Community Impact of the Year and Outstanding Young Futures.
These awards recognise organisations making a real difference through community impact, innovation and a commitment to inclusion and wellbeing. As a charity, being chosen would help us reach more people and expand our impact.
This year, for the first time, anyone can vote for the new Kingston Business Choice Award, chosen across all categories.
Please consider taking a moment to vote for us - your support helps us continue creating meaningful change for carers. Voting deadline: midday, April 23rd.
Find out more about the Kingston Borough Business Awards.
Fun, Friendship and Support: Young Carers in Action
The Young Carers Project supports young carers across Kingston to take a break from their caring role, build friendships and focus on their own wellbeing. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve been up to recently.
February half-term was packed with activities for our young carers, giving them time to relax, try something new and enjoy a well-deserved break from their caring responsibilities at home.
Young carers support their families throughout the year, but the holidays can bring fewer opportunities to step away and recharge. Activities like these form part of our regular school holiday offering, giving them space to relax, build friendships and simply be children.
Creativity and confidence at the Rose Theatre
Across three days at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, young carers took part in a music workshop led by Create, the national charity that brings the creative arts to children and young people facing challenges.
Working together, the group wrote and performed their own music while also learning practical money skills for young musicians. The workshop ended with a live performance for friends and family, a proud moment that showcased not only their creativity but their growing confidence.
A day in nature at London Wetland Centre
Thirteen young carers were invited to the London Wetland Centre for a full day of activities. They took part in art workshops, made otter feeders, joined scavenger hunts and attended talks and demonstrations, including an informative otter session.
We’re also delighted to share that many of the beautiful wildlife and landscape photographs from the trip were taken by Myla, one of our young carers and a budding young photographer. We’re really proud to showcase her work.
Pancakes, crafts and time together
Closer to home, our Pancake and Hearts Party at Searchlight in New Malden brought everyone together for Valentine’s Day-themed crafts and pancake making. It was a relaxed and welcoming space where young carers could chat, laugh and enjoy time creating things together.
Ice skating and celebrating achievement
We also enjoyed a special ice skating trip to Guildford Spectrum, chosen by Amelia, our Jack Petchey Award winner. Amelia very generously used her award funding to treat the group to a day on the ice, giving everyone the chance to enjoy a special experience together.
For many, this week was a chance to try something completely new.
One young carer shared:
“I feel more free and energised. It feels like I have a break. I like being able to see everyone. Everyone’s really nice, helpful and supportive because they’re young carers. Today I’m really proud of myself for facing my fears, getting on the ice and going round twice. I know it’s not a lot, but for me it’s a lot.”
Another told us:
“I would be sitting home in my room probably sad and not really doing anything. My mum gets quite stressed so it’s nice to get out of the house. I’m not very confident and I’ve only been ice skating once because we can’t afford it. Today when I fell over everyone came and checked on me which made me feel special. I love being here. Thank you to the Young Carers Project for giving me these opportunities.”
When asked what they might have been doing if they were not with us during half term, one young person said simply:
“I would be getting angry at home. I’ve got a good break today being out of the house.”
These voices remind us why dedicated support for young carers matters. Activities like these help young carers grow in confidence, build friendships and enjoy time away from their responsibilities.
If you would like to help us continue providing vital support for young carers in Kingston, please consider supporting our work.
Donate to Kingston Carers Network.
Find out more about the Young Carers Project.