In 2025, Carers UK’s 60th Anniversary year, Carers Active April is back again!

The month-long campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity for carers and highlight the benefits of moving more. Carers often face a challenging time, and see their own health and wellbeing impacted by their caring responsibilities.

Finding ways to improve your health and wellbeing as a carer remains crucial, and Carers Active April is a chance to kickstart that activity.

Getting active this April

There are a number of ways to get involved so that carers can be active across April and beyond, in a way that works for you.

‘Paws for Carers’ challenge

Don’t miss out on getting involved in the ‘Paws for Carers’ 60 Mile Dog Walk Challenge! In a nod to Carers UK’s 60th Anniversary, we’re encouraging you to walk 60 miles in 30 days with your dog….and earn a free dog bandana as a thank you.

Dogs are more than pets, they’re companions that boost mental health, motivation, and provide comfort. Complete the challenge at your own pace - whether it’s 2 miles a day or 15 miles a week, the choice is yours!

Find out more and register to take part for free here: Paws for Carers 60 mile Dog Walk

Carers Active online sessions

We have two Carers Active sessions that you can join throughout April: 

Energising Fitness with Kelly - Thursday 3 April, 10-10.45am

Get your body moving with a fun and accessible fitness session to help re-energise your week. The class led by professional instructor Kelly Harman, will help improve your mobility, strength and stamina with movements which you can use in everyday life. The class is open to all abilities and fitness levels so all you need is your own body and a small space. Book here

Adapted Tai Chi and Mindful Movements with Sandra - Wednesday 16 April, 3-4pm

A Tai Chi and gentle movements session with Sandra Shaw, a Clinical Exercise Specialist. Join Sandra, who will demonstrate simple movements designed to improve mobility, balance and a general sense of wellbeing. No experience is needed and the session is open to all fitness levels. Book here

You can also exercise on your own schedule using the recordings from our previous Carers Active online sessions, available here. 

Leisure Centre Offers

Better Leisure Centre Offer

From 1 April - 14 May, members of Carers UK and anyone in receipt of Carers' Allowance can take out membership at their local Better leisure centre at the discounted rate of £30 per month.

Better leisure centres will also offer free taster sessions during April, giving carers the opportunity to try out new activities such as swimming, fitness classes and social sports sessions.

Here's how you can access the offer: When joining online, Carers UK members need to upload a screenshot of this web page and their membership number in order to get the discount.

Members of Carers UK who wish to purchase their membership in a Better centre should print out the web page and present it to a member of staff. You can also present proof that you are in receipt of Carer's Allowance. Click here to find out more and sign up to the offer. 

Everyone Active Offer 

If you find it difficult to get away from your caring role, why not try to find an activity you can enjoy with the person you care for with a free day at your local Everyone Active centre here. 

You can accompany the person you care for at no extra charge at our specialist classes and activities, which include an opportunity to socialise and a refreshment with other carers at our community cafes at the end of the sessions.

If you feel more comfortable getting active from home, why not try the Everyone on Demand app, which can help with home workouts.

Track your activity

Use this downloadable Carers Active calendar to schedule and record your movement during April. If you’re able to print it off and post it around your home, it can act as a handy little motivational reminder too!

Download your calendar here.

Getting Started guide

There’s no need to be the fastest, strongest, or last the longest. It’s about making you feel good and helping you build activity into your routine. Check out this handy Getting Started guide to help.

See the guide here.

Carers Active Hub

Visit the Carers Active Hub to discover a range of useful resources such as:

• Bitesize activity and wellbeing video workouts to help carers be active at a time that’s convenient.
• Recordings of Carers UK’s online physical activity sessions, including Latin dance, seated martial arts, and stretch and tone.
• Inspiration for carers and tips for getting started, plus activity ideas and resources.
• Carers’ stories of getting active while caring.
  
  

Supporters' area

If you want to get involved as a professional working with carers or in the sports and leisure sector, click the button below to access our supporter area.

You'll find everything your organisation needs to make the most of Carers Active April, including activity ideas, a social media toolkit, newsletter copy and more.