Professor Sue Yeandle, a founding member and first Deputy Director of IMPACT, celebrated the launch of her new book, Carers’ Organisations and Their Impact: The Creation of a Global Movement, at Church House in Westminster on Wednesday 21 October 2026, hosted by the Centre for Care and Carers UK.
Drawing on sixty years of history, the book follows the emergence of carers’ organisations in the UK in the 1960s and the growth of the carers’ movement internationally. It explores how these organisations built connections across the globe, raised awareness of unpaid caring, brought carers’ experiences into public debate and influenced policy and research. The book also offers a critical reflection on the movement’s achievements, limitations and future challenges.
At the launch, Sue was joined by speakers from across the carers’ movement, including Baroness Jill Pitkeathley, a pioneering figure in carers’ advocacy, as well as speakers that discussed the work of Carers UK, Eurocarers and Carers Worldwide.
Their contributions on the day reflected on the movement’s achievements, from campaigning for recognition of carers’ rights to building international networks that enable organisations to share experiences, learn from one another and advocate for change.
Panellists also highlighted the continuing challenges facing unpaid carers and the importance of making support accessible. The event provided a great opportunity to celebrate the progress made by the carers’ movement, while also motivating continued efforts to improve support for unpaid carers.
Sue was a founding member of IMPACT and served as its initial Deputy Director, playing a key role in the centre’s early development. IMPACT is delighted to celebrate the publication of her new book and its contribution to understanding how collective action can influence policy and practice.
Access the book
The book is available in print and open-access formats:
Print edition: Order the book with the eventdiscount code ‘DSC50‘ for 50% off before Thursday 31 December.
Open access: Read the book via open access by using the link – Carers’ Organisations and Their Impact.