Our response to the end of free Covid testing for the public on 1 April

Speaking today in response to the Government’s announcement that free Covid testing for the public will end on 1 April, Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive of Carers Trust said: 

“The end of free Covid testing from Friday will be devastating for millions of unpaid carers, who will now be concerned that they won’t be able to keep their family members and friends safe. Even before the growing cost of living crisis, many unpaid carers were having to cut back on food and borrow money to make ends meet, so paying for Covid tests simply won’t be an option for them. That’s why we are calling on the Government to urgently rethink and extend free Covid testing to unpaid carers, in line with the offer to health and care staff.” 

Ends 

For further information, and to arrange interviews with Carers Trust spokespeople, contact:  

Kate Cleaver on kcleaver@carerstrust.org on 07770794886  

Notes to Editor: 

About Carers Trust 

Carers Trust is a major charity for, with and about carers. We work to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.  www.carers.org    

We do this with a UK wide network of quality assured independent partners and through the provision of grants to help carers get the extra help they need to live their own lives. With locally based Network Partners we are able to support carers in their homes through the provision of replacement care, and in the community with information, advice, emotional support, hands on practical help and access to much needed breaks. We offer specialist services for carers of people of all ages and conditions and a range of individual tailored support and group activities.   

Our vision is that unpaid carers count and can access the help they need to live their lives.