Tomorrow is Parent Carers’ Day: let’s make parent carers visible

Tomorrow, 24 October, is Parent Carers’ Day, organised by our German member wir Pflgene. This day is dedicated to the daily and often invisible work of parents who care for a son or daughter with care and support needs.

In most families, children and adults with care and support needs are cared for by their parents, most often their mothers. This care happens almost entirely at home, frequently lasts for decades, and is very often provided without professional support. What is missing is not commitment, but visibility, appreciation and real relief. Parent Carers’ Day aims to change that.

2026 focus: Stop the bureaucracy madness

This year, the campaign puts the spotlight on a burden that every parent carer knows too well: paperwork. Applications, proof documents, assessments and appeals add up to what many describe as a second part-time job, carried out every day alongside caregiving itself.

This administrative load costs families time, money and mental health. Above all it takes time away from the actual care. It also has a hidden consequence: many families end up giving up benefits they are entitled to, simply to avoid the effort, the travel and the waiting times involved in claiming them. Support that exists on paper but is too complicated to access is not real support.

At Eurocarers, we have long called for carer support systems that are simple, accessible and designed around the realities of family life. Cutting unnecessary bureaucracy is one of the most practical ways to give carers back the time and wellbeing they deserve.

How you can get involved

There are several easy ways to take part tomorrow and beyond.

Become visible. On 24 October, wear two crossed plasters visibly on your clothing, bag or backpack, the symbol of Parent Carers’ Day.

Join the campaign online. Download the campaign logo, add “Parent Carers’ Day” in your own language, and post it using the campaign’s Canva template. Follow @tagderpflegendeneltern to stay up to date.

Make a statement. Chalk the plaster symbol or the words “Stop the bureaucracy madness #parentcarersday” in front of schools and clinics. A stencil is available on the campaign website.

Write a press release. Let your local press or your own contacts know about Parent Carers’ Day and why it matters.

Find out more

Parent Carers’ Day is coordinated by wir pflegen. To find campaign materials or get involved, visit wir-pflegen.net or contact the organisers at eltern@wir-pflegen.net. Press enquiries can be sent to medien@wir-pflegen.net.

We encourage all our members and partners to share the campaign tomorrow and help make parent carers visible.