Being a carer comes with huge responsibilities – people often give up their jobs and many enjoyable aspects of their lives to look after a friend, relative or neighbour. It’s an ultimate act of human kindness.
Every year, more than 2 million people take on a new caring role. Many struggle to navigate the maze of services and entitlements, and miss out on financial and practical support as a result. And it’s not just people who are new to caring – even those who have been caring for years sometimes aren’t aware of all their entitlements.
Carers Rights Day on 20th November is celebrated for a few important reasons. Every year £843 million worth of benefits go unclaimed by carers who don’t realise they are entitled to them.
Having the right information at the right time can make a huge difference when you are looking after someone.
Each year Carers Rights Day is held to bring organisations across the UK together to help carers in their local community know their rights and find out how to get the help and support they are entitled to.
Caring can bring all kinds of challenges. We want every carer to know where to turn for advice, information and support, whether in their local community or online.
This might be time off or help with looking after the person being cared for. Carers deserve the same chances at life as everyone else: good health, work opportunities and the freedom to pursue their own interests. But carers are often so rushed off their feet these things are just impossible to achieve. Carers health and carers mental health can be overlooked because they are so dedicated to putting others first.
Lots of people got involved in 2014. GP surgeries, local councils, libraries, charities, and many other community groups provided help to local carers. Research was covered by the BBC, GMTV, and other popular TV and radio stations.
Are you a carer? Carers can be hard on themselves and can be so busy looking after others that they forget to look after their own well-being too.
There is lots of help, advice and tips on the official website to help maintain a positive attitude. Who are the tips provided by? Carers, for the benefit of other carers! Who knows better after all?
Visit www.carersuk.org to find out more.
