In November 1965 the world’s first carers’ organisation the National Council for the Single Woman and her Dependants (the Council) was founded by Mary Webster – a remarkable but previously unknown woman. Bringing others in similar circumstances together, she led the first campaigns for fair treatment of those who care selflessly for those they love. As she captured the attention of the press, politicians and the public, grassroots carers’ groups formed across the UK, and major victories were secured: a new Tax Allowance (1967), Attendance Allowance (1971) and in 1976 a benefit specifically for carers, today’s Carer’s Allowance.
From 1988-98 the Council, now as Carers National Association (today’s Carers UK) following a merger with the Association of Carers (est. 1981), was led by Jill Pitkeathley. In 1995 its campaigning enabled the passage of the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act, the first law to recognise carers and their vital role. As grassroots carers’ organisations began to form worldwide, Pitkeathley offered support and in 1997, with the Association of Carers in Australia, she made plans for a first International Carers’ Conference (ICC). Held in London in 1998 this brought carers, politicians, public servants and NGOs from 20 nations together in an impressive event that far exceeded expectations. The connections made led to six more ICCs, where carers shared experience and ideas, building solidarity and strength.
Today, the carers’ movement is 60 years old. The substantial progress it has enabled would amaze the early pioneers. Carers’ organisations and alliances and their international networks (Eurocarers, the International Alliance of Carer Organizations, Carers Worldwide, working in low-income countries in South-East Asia) are still expanding horizons and pushing for positive change. It is a resourceful grassroots movement that emerged from small beginnings to celebrate, campaign for and support carers around the world, bound by a shared belief in care as a crucial human value. Much nevertheless remains to be done and its inspiring work for recognition, rights and better support for carers goes on.
About the Author
Sue is honoured to have worked closely with Carers UK for over 20 years and of her many connections to the carers’ movement around the world. She continues to work in close collaboration with a variety of care sector partners to further understanding of contemporary issues in care, and regularly provides evidence and advice on social care and carers to governments and parliamentarians in the UK and internationally.
Sue was appointed OBE in the King’s 2025 Birthday Honours, celebrating her dedicated research which has focused on the lives, support needs and advocacy of unpaid carers in different countries.
Sue’s forthcoming book, Carers’ organisations and their impact: the creation of a global movement, will be published in 2026 by The Policy Press.
