Mantelzorg means cloak care in Dutch. It describes the system of informal social care in the Netherlands. Informal care is the care for chronically ill, disabled and needy by relatives, friends, acquaintances and neighbours. Typically, there is a pre-existing personal relationship between the caregiver and his or her neighbour. This care is normally unpaid. Every year in the Netherlands Dag van de Mantelzorg, Carers Day is celebrated. Across the country there are organized activities for carers. This takes place in the week of the Chronically Ill in November.