Gaddum Leads New Vision for Supporting Carers in Greater Manchester

The initiative, presented by Gaddum’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben Whalley, in a discussion paper to the GM VCFSE Leadership Group earlier this year, calls for a whole-system, carers-led approach that places unpaid carers at the heart of health, care, and community planning.

With over 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK, and 1.7million providing 50+ hours of care weekly, the economic and emotional toll is immense. Research shows the value of unpaid care in England and Wales is estimated at £162 billion annually, yet carers remain largely invisible in strategic decision-making. But research also shows that carers are misunderstood, left out of care and hospital discharge planning and their own health is deteriorating at an alarming rate.

To make sure that unpaid carers are understood and supported to continue undertaking their crucial role in our society, Gaddum are championing a collaborative, inclusive, and participatory programme to develop a Greater Manchester-wide approach for carers which aligns with the values of the wider VCFSE sector and in the spirit of the GM VCFSE Accord.

Key Principles underpinning the programme include:

• Co-production and shared ownership, ensuring carers’ voices shape the process.

• Sustainable investment, recognising the need for dedicated funding from philanthropic and grant giving sources.

• Collaborative leadership, with Gaddum inviting stakeholders to co-lead.

• Whole-system focus to reduce duplication and foster cross-sector synergy.

• Trailblazer ambition, positioning Greater Manchester as a national model.

Progress and Next Steps

Early evaluations from the Accelerating Reform Fund highlight the benefits of involving carers in interventions like hospital discharge. There have been initial positive discussions with public sector partners on the value of a cross-cutting approach to carers and its alignment with GM Live Well.

The initial proposal has been refined since being presented to the GM VCFSE Leadership Group back in July 2025.

Gaddum are now:

1. Developing of a formal case for support to attract external funding, engaging with partners, communities and key system stakeholders, and
2. Engaging with GMCA, the Mayoral Office, and other authorities.

The call to action is clear: Greater Manchester has the opportunity to lead the way in recognising and supporting unpaid carers, not just as contributors to the system, but as central partners in shaping it.

We will continue to share updates as this work develops, but if you would like to find out more, please contact Ben Whalley, Chief Executive Officer at Gaddum, ben.whalley@gaddum.org.uk