Have you ever thought about what it really means to be a long-term carer? The emotional, physical, and financial toll it takes? How it affects personal relationships, self-confidence, and mental health? Around the world, carers—those who dedicate their lives to supporting family members with disabilities, mental health conditions, or chronic illnesses—often go unnoticed and unsupported.

Today in Tiruvallur, I had the opportunity to visit a Carers Group alongside Ashoka Fellow Anil Patil, founder of Carers Worldwide. We inaugurated a new meeting hall, engaged in deep discussions, and met carers and individuals facing mental health challenges. These groups provide a lifeline of support, empowerment, and advocacy—a model that is desperately needed in many parts of the world.

Because the reality is: if we don’t care for the carers, how can they care for others?

A particularly impactful moment was a theatre performance that told the story of a family navigating grief, illness, and the struggles of an unsupported carer. The play highlighted the devastating consequences of isolation, misinformation, and systemic failures, but also showed the transformative power of collective support—from policy advocacy to practical peer-to-peer assistance. Theatre, as I saw today, is a powerful way to raise awareness, foster understanding, and amplify the voices of those who often go unheard.

Globally, carers make up a hidden workforce, often sacrificing their own well-being while providing essential, unpaid care. Their challenges—financial strain, social isolation, and lack of recognition—need urgent attention. With mental health and caregiving challenges on the rise, what can we do to ensure carers receive the support they need?

Let’s start the conversation. What are your thoughts?