As the evenings shorten and the temperature drops, being a carer can feel heavier than usual. For unpaid carers in the UK, winter brings extra pressures: higher energy bills, risk of illness, fewer daylight hours and sometimes feelings of isolation. Carers UK is here for you and with a little planning you can take steps to protect your wellbeing and the person you care for. 

Why winter needs a little extra care 

Caring roles are demanding at any time, but winter adds a few extra challenges: 

• More time indoors, which can feel isolating or increase the demands on you as a carer. 

• Colder weather and higher heating bills, which can create financial stress. Carers UK highlight that carers often face additional costs because of the caring role. Check out our benefit calculator to see if you can get additional financial support.  

• The risk of health issues for both you and the person you care for – for example, the impact of cold homes or being unable to easily leave the house. 

• The emotional toll of caring when daylight is shorter and energy is lower 

Because of these factors, it is helpful to think ahead and use available support both from Carers UK and your local networks. 

How Carers UK Supports You 

Carers UK offers a range of practical resources and information that are particularly relevant in winter: 

• Help with energy and household costs: On The Digital Resource for Carers you can find support around  understanding eligibility for things like the Winter Fuel Payment and other benefits.  

• Advice and information: Look at our guides and tools covering everything from staying well to managing finances.  

• Helpline and peer support: If you ever feel overwhelmed or uncertain, you can contact Carers UK for information and connect with other carers. Contact our Telephone Helpline on 0808 808 7777 or for more complex queries or more detailed guidance contact our email Helpline at advice@carersuk.org. You can also find out about our online support sessions here: Online meetups | Carers UK  or visit the Carers UK Forum to connect with other carers.  

• Campaigning for carers: We monitor issues like cost of living and energy hardship which disproportionately affect carers.  

With these resources behind you, you are not alone – there is support tailored to carers in all seasons. 

Your winter checklist: Practical actions to take 

Here are several practical steps you can take to get through winter with greater confidence and care: 

1. Check financial and energy support

• Visit the Carers UK “Help with energy costs” page to see if you or the person you care for are eligible for benefits such as the Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment.  

• Contact your energy supplier to ask about hardship funds or discounts for carers. 

• If you are caring for someone who is vulnerable or whose home is frequently cold, prioritise heating – cold homes increase risks of ill-health. 

2. Prioritise your well-being

• Recognise that you matter: you cannot pour from an empty cup. 

• Try to build in short breaks that are realistic – even five minutes with a warm drink or fresh air can help. 

• Keep an eye on your own mood and energy: darker days can affect mood. Reach out to Carers UK or other support services if you feel low or isolated. 

• Try to maintain basic healthy habits: good sleep when you can, nutritious meals, light where possible, movement even if brief. Check out the wellbeing section of the Digital Resource for Carers for help with building healthy habits.  

3. Keep you and your home safe

• Ensure alarms (smoke, carbon monoxide) are working and paths/doorways are safe from ice or debris. 

• Check your heating system is functioning; fix draughts and consider resources to improve insulation if feasible. 

• Be mindful of winter health risks for the person you care for – flu, chest infections, slips and falls. 

• Keep a simple backup plan: perhaps a torch, charged phone, list of contacts, and somewhere warm to retreat if the weather prevents going out. 

4. Make the home comfortable

• Adapt the space you care about: good lighting, warm blankets, comfortable seating, easy-access supplies can all help when going out is harder. 

• If mobility is reduced (yours or the person you care for), simplify home routes, ensure winter-safe footwear, and keep essential items close. 

• Make sure that you have a clear route for supplies and provide easy meals or snacks for days when venturing out is harder. 

5. Plan for staying in when needed

• Winter weather or illness might keep you at home more – have a plan for that. 

• Use online shopping, prescription delivery, and local services where possible. 

• Identify low-cost or free indoor activities or light exercise to keep you and the person you support engaged and comfortable. 

• Keep in contact with other carers, friends or support groups so you still feel connected rather than isolated. 

Final thoughts 

Winter does not have to mean isolation or crisis. With the right awareness, planning and support, you can protect your own wellbeing and continue to care in a sustainable way. As a carer you often priorities others – but this winter, make a small act of care for yourself as well. 

Remember: 

• Carers UK is here to help with tailored information, advice and support. 

• Small, manageable steps now can reduce stress later. 

• You are not alone – the caring community is wide and supportive.