Carers Rights Day 2017
Looking after someone? Know your rights.
Friday 24th November is Carers Rights Day: an annual national awareness campaign organised by the charity Carers UK, which aims to reach the UK’s 6.5 million unpaid carers with information, advice and support. Last year over 1,000 organisations took part in Carers Rights Day.
6,000 people start looking after someone each day and most of us will provide care at some point in our lives. Without the right advice and information, it is easy to miss out on the financial and practical support you are entitled to. Voluntary Action Shetland (VAS) have been supporting unpaid carers locally for over 10 years and can provide information about carers rights and the practical help they are entitled to; including respite and access to equipment and technology.
To mark Carers Rights Day, VAS is holding an event at Market House on Friday 24th November from 1 – 3pm which is open to all unpaid carers in Shetland. This event will include the launch of a new Respitality Scheme in Shetland offering short breaks to unpaid carers followed by a light buffet. There will be information available which can help carers in their caring role. An advisor from Citizens Advice Bureau will be available between 2 and 3 pm for anyone who would like to find out more about the financial help they are entitled to; including benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance.
Catherine Hughson, Executive Officer of VAS said: Unpaid carers have many rights they are not aware of. Carers Rights Day highlights this and shows that the services provided by VAS with other partners are vital to ensure that unpaid carers are able to support those they care for, and take care of themselves.”
Carers UK’s guide to carers’ rights and benefits, Looking After Someone, is published every year for Carers Rights Day. It provides a comprehensive guide on what support carers are entitled to. Carers can access a copy of the guide from Market House or download a copy of the guide at carersuk.org or order a free copy from Carers UK by calling 0800 808 7777 or emailing advice@carersuk.org.
Below are Carers UK’s top three steps everyone who is looking after a disabled, ill or older loved one should take to find out about their entitlements : -
1. Get a benefits check.
2. Find out about practical support.
3. Connect with other carers.
