Welcome to The October CWC Circular!
Friends and Supporters,
As October comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank you for helping us make this month such a powerful celebration of community, compassion, and care.
Throughout Haunted Hearts Care Month, we’ve seen supporters across the UK walking, running, and fundraising to raise vital funds for care workers in need, all while embracing the Halloween spirit! Your creativity, energy, and generosity have been truly inspiring.
It’s also been a busy and exciting month for advocacy and collaboration. We were proud to represent The Care Workers’ Charity at The Care Show and the Healthcare Summit, connecting with sector leaders to champion fair pay, wellbeing, and respect for care workers everywhere.
We’ve also celebrated some important nominations recognising the incredible work happening across our sector — a testament to the passion and dedication of care professionals and our wider community.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to say we are now looking to looking for another 15 passionate care workers to join our Care Worker Advisory Board and Champions Project. These initiatives give care workers a direct voice in shaping our mission, influencing policy, and inspiring change across the sector.
Next month, our focus shifts to Cup of Care: A Moment That Matters — a special event by The Care Workers’ Charity, created to support mental health in the care sector. We’ll be encouraging care staff to take a moment, sit down with a hot drink, and have an open, honest conversation with a colleague.
As we wrap up October and head into the final months of the year, we do so with gratitude and determination. Thank you for continuing to stand with us and for showing that together, we can build a future where care workers are respected, protected, and valued.
Sign up to all our events here.
With heartfelt thanks,
Karolina Gerlich
CEO, The Care Workers’ Charity
This November, join us for Cup of Care: A Moment That Matters, a special initiative by The Care Workers’ Charity.
On November 17, we’re encouraging care staff across the UK to take a moment, sit down with a hot drink, and have an open, honest conversation with a colleague. Care workers often put themselves last, but this event is about putting them first, creating space for connection, support, and shared stories
We’re also encouraging participants to fundraise or donate the price of their morning coffee to support care workers who give so much every day. Every small contribution helps make a real difference.
Whether you're a care home, office, or community group, you can participate by registering and hosting your own Cup of Care event. It's a simple yet powerful way to show that mental health matters and that no one in the care sector should feel alone.
The CQC’s State of Care Report
In response to the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) State of Care 2024/25 report, The Care Workers’ Charity (CWC) is urgently calling for systemic reforms to address the escalating crisis in adult social care. The report highlights significant challenges, including chronic workforce shortages, increasing reliance on temporary agency staff, and mounting pressures on both care homes and homecare services.
CWC’s Chief Executive Officer, Karolina Gerlich, emphasized the critical need for immediate action:
“The CQC's findings underscore what we have been warning for years—our social care system is underfunded, overstretched, and on the brink of collapse. Care workers are the backbone of this sector, yet they are undervalued and overworked. Without urgent investment and reform, the quality and safety of care will continue to decline.”
The charity is advocating for several key measures to stabilize and improve the sector:
Increased Funding: Allocate sufficient resources to meet the growing demand for care services and ensure fair compensation for care workers.
Workforce Investment: Implement strategies to recruit and retain skilled care professionals, including offering competitive salaries and career development opportunities.
Support for Care Workers: Provide comprehensive mental health support and professional development to enhance the well-being and capabilities of care staff.
CWC remains committed to collaborating with government bodies, care providers, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies that prioritize the needs and rights of care workers, ultimately leading to better outcomes for those receiving care.