Caring Through the Pages

Caring isn’t just something we do, it’s part of who we are. But how often do we actually see that reflected in the mainstream media? Be it in TV shows, films, books or even the news, the way caring is portrayed can shape how the rest of the world sees us and how we see ourselves. 

In this blog, we’re diving into the different ways caring is represented in the media, sharing some real-life examples, and those rare but wonderful moments where we truly felt seen.

Why is the representation of carers important? 

We are often told that there are 7 million carers in the UK, and many of us will be in a caring role at some point in our lives. But, how do we know? When we started talking about this in the Mobilise Hub, we found that many of us didn’t realise  that we were a carer straight away. 

Many of us may find that we only recognised our caring role was  different to medical professionals or employers. Whether we use the term 'carer' or we prefer something else, it’s important to know that there are others who share similar experiences, challenges and emotions out there. It reminds us that we are not alone. 

We know the power of a good story. When caring is represented in the media, it’s more than just entertainment. It can make a real difference in our lives. Here’s why seeing caring experiences on screen matters:

1. Raising awareness and shaping public perception of what it means to be a carer

Caring is often invisible to those who aren’t living it. When the media shows what it’s like to be a carer, it helps others understand our world a little better. It shifts caring from something hidden in the background to something people talk about and recognise.  The characters caring in books, TV and film might just help us realise that we’re carers too.

2. Challenging negative stereotypes of caring

Too often, carers are shown as either selfless saints or struggling martyrs. But in reality, we’re just people navigating life, love, and responsibilities like everyone else. Honest representations can help challenge outdated stereotypes and show the real, complex, and sometimes messy side of caring.

3. Reducing feelings of isolation and making our experiences feel seen

There’s something powerful about watching a character go through the same struggles, joys, and frustrations we do. Seeing caring represented in the mainstream can make us feel less alone, and sometimes it even highlights support we didn’t realise was available. It reminds us that we’re part of a wider community and that what we do matters.

4. Driving positive change for those of us caring

Media sometimes has the power to influence policy and public attitudes. When caring stories are told well, they can spark conversations, get decision-makers to pay attention, and push for the kind of support we actually need. Representation isn’t just about feeling seen but it’s about being heard.

Alongside these examples, those in the Community added their own ‘Characters who Care’ to the list and shared their thoughts on what makes a character a carer. It’s surprising just how many ‘Characters who Care’ are out there when we start looking.

Examples of caring in television 

Dot Cotton caring for her husband in Eastenders (BBC) 

Dot takes on a Caring role for her husband, Jim Branning, following his stroke, both in their home and later in a Care Home, before his passing. The soap opera explores Dot’s caring role, her struggles and the difficult decision of placing her husband in a Care home, an experience which many carers face within their caring journeys.

A-Typical (Netflix) 

One show that stands out is Atypical (2017). It follows Sam, a teenager on the autism spectrum, as he starts to explore independence, dating, and figuring out his place in the world. The show also beautifully portrays the people around him, especially his family, and the often unseen role of carers. It offers us glimpses of how caring can affect family dynamics. What Atypical does well is showing that caring is more than a duty it’s about love, growth and sometimes learning when to let go. It’s one of those rare shows that doesn’t just include a carer’s perspective but makes it part of the story.

Big Boys (Channel 4)

Big Boys (2022) is a heartfelt and hilarious show about friendship, masculinity, and self-discovery but it’s also one of the few shows that shows the struggles of being a young carer at university. Danny (One of the main characters) balances studying for his degree with looking after his nan, who has dementia, and the show doesn’t shy away from the reality of how hard that can be. 

Between coursework deadlines and nights out, he’s also managing meds, worry, and exhaustion, things many young carers know all too well. Big Boys reveals the power of friendship and support. His friends rally around him, helping him cope. It’s a rare portrayal of what so many young carers go through, and it increases the visibility of young carers on screen.

Motherland (BBC)

On the surface, Motherland (2016) is a comedy about the chaos of parenthood, but it also offers a real glimpse into the responsibilities that come with caring for a parent. Julia briefly has her mum live with her before she passes away, and we see just how overwhelming it can be to juggle family life while also caring for a loved one. Then there’s Amanda, whose glamorous but mischievous mother (played by Joanna Lumley) is actively escaping her carer, giving viewers a rare look at how complex caring for an older relative can be. What Motherland does well is showing how caring responsibilities can creep into our lives unexpectedly, and we’re left trying to manage it the best we can. It's a messy and chaotic portrayal of the stresses that come with caring for a parent. 

Almas Not Normal (BBC)

Alma’s Not Normal (2020) is a comedy that follows Alma’s complicated relationship with her mum, who struggles with addiction. While the show is packed with hilarious moments, it also captures the emotional weight of being a carer especially when the person you’re looking after is unpredictable, difficult, or not always grateful for the help. Alma isn’t a typical carer, but that’s what makes the show so brilliant. She juggles caring for her mum while also dealing with her eccentric nan, all while trying to carve out a life for herself. It’s raw, messy, and painfully relatable for those of us who have experience of caring for loved ones with addiction or mental health challenges.

The Bear (Disney+)

While The Bear (2022) is best known for its fast-paced kitchen chaos, it also quietly highlights the reality of caring through Marcus, one of the pastry chefs who looks after his elderly nan. Between the pressure of work and his passion for baking, Marcus still finds time to check in on his nan, making sure she’s okay and managing her care on top of his responsibilities in the kitchen.

Examples of caring in films 

There are also many carers in films we see, including the Fitzgerald Family in ‘My Sisters Keeper’ and the families of the teenagers (Grant Family and Meredith Newman) in Five Feet Apart. Although they both have tragic endings, the storylines focus on the family’s determination to go to any measure to keep their loved one safe and alive as well as their personal emotional battles.

Little Women (Amazon Prime)

Another example is Jo March from Little Women (2019) who cares for her sister Beth at the end of her life. Interestingly, Jo speaks of her caring role as an opportunity for learning as she gained skills and qualities which help her in her life including patience, forgiveness, faith and trust.

This is a reflection for many of us who whilst facing challenges and struggles, wouldn’t have the situation any other way. It is also a great reminder of the many skills we can gain within our roles and the transferable value this can provide to those outside of that caring network, such as employers.

Love Actually (Apple TV)

Love Actually (2003) is known for its grand romantic gestures and festive charm yet it also speaks to the experience of caring. Laura Linney’s character, Sarah, offers a much more bittersweet perspective, one that many of us may find painfully familiar.

Sarah spends most of the film looking after her brother, whose complex needs require constant care. Even when she has a chance at love, she's unable to put herself first. Her storyline is a rare and heartbreaking example of how caring can shape and sometimes limit personal relationships. The moment she chooses her brother over a romantic connection isn’t framed as heroic or tragic, but instead, it’s just a glimpse of her reality. Sarah’s story highlights the emotional toll of always having to put someone else first. It’s a quieter, more subtle representation of caring but an incredibly powerful one nonetheless.

The upside (YouTube)

In The Upside (2017) Phillip, a wealthy quadriplegic, hires Dell, an ex-convict in desperate need of a job, as his carer. What starts as a purely practical arrangement turns into something much deeper, an unlikely but heartwarming friendship that changes them both. Phillip relies on Dell for physical support, but Dell also brings energy, humour, and a refusal to treat Phillip with pity. Meanwhile, Dell, struggling to reconnect with his family, finds a sense of purpose through his role as a carer. The film acts as an important reminder that caring isn’t always about knowing exactly what to do. Sometimes, it’s just about being there, showing up, and making someone’s life a little brighter.

We Live In Time (Amazon Prime)

We Live In Time (2024) follows Almut and Tobias as they navigate the challenges of terminal illness together. The film captures the emotional weight of caring for someone while also trying to cherish every moment. What makes this film so powerful is its raw depiction of caring for a loved one with a terminal illness. It doesn’t sugarcoat the heartbreak or the exhaustion, but it also highlights the deep connection and love that can come from caring.

Still Alice (Amazon Prime)

Few films capture the emotional toll of memory loss on both the person diagnosed and their loved ones as well as Still Alice (2014). Julianne Moore plays Alice, a linguistics professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and while the film is centered on her experience, it also shines a light on the impact her condition has on those around her.

As Alice’s memory fades, her family steps in to support her, with her daughter Lydia (played by Kristen Stewart) taking on a significant caring role. The film shows the frustration, exhaustion, and grief that comes when caring for someone when their memory is fading but it also highlights the deep love and connection that can remain, even when words and memories slip away. For those of us who have cared for someone with dementia, Still Alice is an emotional watch but an important one. It validates the experience we might have had, showing both the struggles and the small, beautiful moments that make it all worthwhile.

The Theory of Everything (Netflix)

The Theory of Everything (2014) is a film about Stephen Hawking’s groundbreaking work in physics but it also represents what it means to care for someone through illness. Jane’s role as Stephen’s carer is a huge part of the story, revealing the realities of caring for a partner. She supports him as his motor neurone disease progresses, adapting to his changing needs while also raising their children and pursuing her own ambitions.

When making carers visible, it is important to recognise that not all carers look or act alike. Whilst these characters represent some carers, they do not all call themselves a carer within their stories, and similarly, many carers don’t want to in real life but they each have a role to play and a caring story worth sharing. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed. Here’s the full list we came up with. 

• Bailey Baker, Eastenders

• Billy Elliot, Billy Elliot

• Charlie Bucket, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

• Dot Cotton, Eastenders

• Fitzgerald Family, My Sister's Keeper

• George Milton, Of Mice and Men

• Grant Family, Five Feet Apart

• Jo March, Little Women

• Joe, Meet The Genies

• Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games

• Leo Collins, The Vow

• Little Red Riding Hood, Little Red Riding Hood

• Maria Kutschera, The Sound of Music

• Meredith Newman, Five Feet Apart 

• Peaceful Family, Private Peaceful

(We do not own the rights to any of the images.)