WHO launches new online course to support informal caregivers across Europe

Millions of people across Europe provide care to family members, neighbours or friends with health or support needs, often without preparation, training or recognition. To support this vital yet frequently overlooked group, WHO/Europe has launched a new online course designed specifically for informal caregivers, helping them to access information on how to care not only for others, but also for themselves.

Whether gradually assumed or suddenly required, the caregiving role can be both profoundly meaningful and emotionally challenging. Many informal caregivers juggle care responsibilities alongside work, family and personal health needs, often without access to practical guidance or emotional support. This new WHO course seeks to fill that gap, offering accessible, evidence-based information to help caregivers feel more confident, prepared and supported in their role.

Launched at an online webinar event on 22 October 2025, the course was attended by over 450 people from across Europe.

Developed with partners and rooted in real-life needs

The course was developed by WHO/Europe with financial support from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, and in close collaboration with Eurocarers, the umbrella organization representing carers' associations across the European Union. It also supports the implementation of the European Care Strategy and the Council Recommendation on access to affordable, high-quality long-term care.

"Through this new online course, we aim to help carers look after their own health and well-being while strengthening their knowledge, skills and confidence in providing care," explained Dr Stefania Ilinca, Technical Officer for Long-term Care at WHO/Europe. "The course offers practical information and guidance on navigating common caregiving challenges, while connecting carers to key services and resources that can make a difference."

"But," Dr Ilinca added, "in the course of caregiving, situations will arise that no one can or should face alone and that no course can prepare you for. Our message to carers is: Never hesitate to reach out for help from health and care professionals, from family and friends, or from other informal caregivers! You are not alone in this journey, and together we can change the way care is seen, valued and supported."

To ensure content reflects the real needs and challenges faced by informal caregivers, WHO worked alongside the Swedish Family Care Competence Centre at Linnaeus University in Sweden and the National Institute on Health and Sciences of Ageing in Italy. The course draws on a wide range of international resources, evidence, and input from experts and caregiver organizations. The result is a course that is simple, flexible and grounded in real caregiving experiences, particularly in the context of caring for older adults.

Who is the course for?

The course is open to anyone providing informal care, whether family members, neighbours, friends, volunteers, or paid helpers without formal care or nursing training. It recognizes the many forms that caregiving can take, among them daily assistance with personal care, occasional help with meals or errands, emotional support, accompaniment to appointments, or companionship for someone living alone.

It also acknowledges the diverse circumstances of caregivers themselves. Caregivers may be young or old, employed or retired, living with or far from the person they support. Some may be paid companions without formal nursing qualifications, while others may be preparing to take on caregiving responsibilities in the future. Regardless of their background, all caregivers share a crucial common role: helping others live with dignity, stability and care.

Why this course matters

Caregiving is essential to our societies, enabling people with care needs to remain in their homes and communities. Yet it often comes with personal costs. Caregivers may experience stress, isolation, fatigue, financial strain or a decline in their own health. This course recognizes that to care well for others, caregivers must also take care of themselves.

By providing practical advice, emotional support and pathways to further help, the course aims to empower caregivers, affirm their contribution and remind them that they are not alone.

Course structure: caring for yourself and for others

The course is divided into 2 complementary parts that can be followed independently:

• Part 1: Caring for yourself - This section focuses on caregivers' own well-being. It offers guidance on recognizing personal limits, managing stress, maintaining mental and physical health, and balancing caregiving with rest, work and family responsibilities.
• Part 2: Caring for another - This section provides practical guidance on supporting an older person with daily needs related to personal hygiene, mobility, nutrition, cognitive health and the safe use of assistive devices. It also highlights the importance of collaboration with other family members, fellow caregivers and professional care services, especially in difficult or emergency situations.

A tool for caregivers and for communities

While created primarily for informal caregivers, the course is also a valuable resource for civil society organizations, training providers, local authorities and care service providers. Its content can be adapted for workshops, support groups and community initiatives, offering a foundation for broader efforts to strengthen caregiver support systems across Europe.

Whether you seek to learn, to support caregivers or to develop new programmes, WHO welcomes you to join this initiative to recognize, empower and uplift those who care.

The course is offered in collaboration with the WHO Academy and available in English, with French and Spanish translations coming soon. For full access to the course modules and materials, register for a free account with the WHO Academy via the links and then enrol.