19 Nov Carers Rights Day to ensure carers know their rights and are able to access support that is available to them as soon as they need it.
The pandemic has had a massive impact on the lives of carers. It has affected how they access services, their ability to juggle work and care and much more. Therefore, it is even more imperative that carers are aware of their rights.
Carers Rights Day this year is on Thursday 25 November, and local charity Carers Network will run a mixture of Covid-secure in-person and online workshops for the local unpaid carers they support to ensure they know their rights.
These will include workshops on health and wellbeing, welfare benefits, how to save money on energy bills and carers’ employment rights. There will also be a mindfulness session and an online quiz for carers to enjoy!
The in-person workshops will be held at The Beethoven Centre (W10 4JL) in Queen’s Park from 11am-12:30pm and 2pm-3:30pm), Bishop Creighton House (SW6 7PH) in Fulham from 11am-12:30pm and 3:30pm-4:30pm, and at Kensington Town Hall (W8 7NX) from 11am-12:30pm.
Carers Rights Day this year will empower carers with information and support, so they can feel confident asking for what they need. It will also inform carers how to challenge and make their case when their rights are not being met. A recent national survey by Carers UK found that since the pandemic four in five unpaid carers are providing more care for relatives; 78% reported that the needs of the person they care for have increased during the pandemic and 67% worried about how they will cope through further lockdowns or local restrictions.
Case Study: Local carer Ainsley asserts his rights to secure vital support thanks to the help of Carers Network
Local unpaid carer Ainsley looks after his 92-year-old mother Winnifred. He has been looking after his mum since 2008, but never thought of himself as being a carer as such. It was just something he naturally did as a loving son.
In June this year, Winnifred had a bad fall which means she now has increased mobility difficulties. The hospital she was being treated at after her fall referred Ainsley to Carers Network, and we were then able to guide him with expert, tailored support to take control over his caring role. ‘Carers Network has helped me set up a power of attorney for my mum and apply for attendance allowance. Mum’s care package has helped transform our lives and is very helpful. Mum is happy at home and can join in her faith groups online – which a huge comfort to us both. The pandemic and recent restrictions have made things more challenging, but Carers Network has been a great help with general advice. It’s really reassuring to know they are there. I can pop into the office if I need help or always get them on the phone or by email when I need support.’
If, like Ainsley, you are looking after a family member, friend or neighbour on a daily basis and live in the City of Westminster, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham or the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, contact Carers Network today so that you can find out what rights you have as an unpaid carer.
