Startling new research has revealed that carers in the capital are being let down by a lack of support when they take on the role, with only 77 per cent aware of the help available.

The figures, released by Carers Week on Monday, found that a huge 83 per cent of carers say they were unprepared for the role and a worrying 65 per cent have experienced depression.

With about 689,973 carers in London, the charities within the Carers Week partnership are calling for more to be done to ensure that more support is given from day one.

Sam Mauger, chief executive of Age UK London, said: “This research shows that carers aren’t being offered enough support and that needs to change, particularly as caring responsibilities often come suddenly and in the middle of hard circumstances.

“All of London’s carers are doing a magnificent job and we hope that the government, GPs and health and social care professionals come together to offer them the support they deserve.”