OU public health campaign shortlisted for national Carers UK Award

A national public health campaign co-developed by The Open University (OU) researchers to support UK-wide communities to age well, inclusive of, co-developed with and for unpaid carers, has been shortlisted for the ‘Standout Campaign of the Year’ category at the 2026 Carers UK Awards.

This category recognises campaigns that have made an outstanding, visible contribution to improving support, awareness or outcomes for unpaid carers.

Simple, evidence-based steps to health

The recognition highlights the impact of the Open University's Take Five to Age Well Open Societal Challenge initiative, led by Dr Jitka Vseteckova, Senior Lecturer, School of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care and Chair of the Carers Research Group in the OU’s Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies. Take Five to Age Well helps carers and the wider public to take simple, evidence-based steps to improve their health and wellbeing.

The accolade comes as research from The Open University continues to shine a light on the growing challenges facing unpaid carers across the UK. Recent findings published in a special issue of the International Journal of Care and Caring revealed how rising living costs, declining statutory support and persistent inequalities are placing increasing pressure on carers and negatively affecting their physical and mental health.

According to these findings, many carers are at greater risk of poor health outcomes, including musculoskeletal conditions, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, loneliness, poor sleep and financial hardship. Researchers also found that many carers delay seeking healthcare for themselves because of their caring responsibilities. 

Dr Vseteckova said:"Our research highlights the significant pressures facing unpaid carers, caused by rising costs, reduced statutory support and ongoing inequalities, all of which negatively affect their health and wellbeing. Carers often lack the time and access to interventions that support their own health needs."

Committing to one positive action for a month

The Take Five to Age Well campaign was developed in response to these challenges, recognising that traditional health information can often feel disconnected from the realities of everyday caring. Built around the Five Pillars for Ageing Well, nutrition, hydration, physical activity, social connection and cognitive stimulation, the programme encourages participants to commit to one positive action for a month and track their progress.

Dr Vseteckova added: "The Take Five team has collaboratively developed the Take Five to Age Well educational initiatives as a national public health campaign across the UK, co-designed with carers and key national, regional and local stakeholders. Evaluations show that Take Five improves health literacy, encourages self-care and self-management, and empowers carers and the wider public to build confidence in taking action and changing attitudes." 

The initiative was co-designed and co-produced with carers, healthcare professionals, charities and community organisations across all four nations of the UK. Partners have included organisations such as Carers UK, Carers Trust, Carers in Northamptonshire, Carers Buckinghamshire, Campaign for Learning, Age UK, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI, alongside a UK-wide network of more than 600 collaborating organisations.

Partnering to extend reach

Since its launch in May 2025, the campaign has engaged more than 5,000 participants, with carers making up around 40 per cent of those taking part. Evaluations have shown improvements in health literacy, confidence, self-care and self-management, while also encouraging participants to seek support and make sustainable lifestyle changes.

Reflecting on the wider impact of the programme, she said: "The campaign has helped to create important conversations about health and wellbeing within families and communities. It has strengthened social connections, supported caring relationships and demonstrated how small, achievable actions can have a meaningful impact on people's lives.”

Feedback from participants has highlighted the difference the programme can make. One participant said: "It is a brilliant challenge. Glad I was part of it. I guess many older people are caring for sick partners and life can become all medical talk. The challenge made me look outside this." 

The Carers UK Awards celebrate individuals and organisations making an outstanding contribution to improving the lives of unpaid carers. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 15 October 2026.