Carers Rights Day
Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or a friend – many of whom don’t see themselves as carers, often unaware of their legal rights and what they’re entitled to in terms of support and benefits.
Carers should not have to miss out on support designed to reduce some of the pressures caring can bring. Whether they care 24/7 or juggle care with work and family life, are new to caring or have been for many years, and wherever they live in the UK – all carers deserve to understand their rights and be supported to use them if they wish.
Accessing support for you
A right to a carer’s assessment:
It doesn’t matter how much or what sort of care you provide. This is an opportunity to discuss the help you need as an unpaid carer. Contact your local council to request one. If you are a young carer (aged under 18), you have the right to a young carer’s assessment.
Looking after your health and wellbeing:
If you are the main carer for someone who may be put at risk if you became ill, or if you receive Carer’s Allowance, you can ask your GP practice to identify you as a carer on your patient record and you can request a free flu jab.
Juggling care and work:
You have the right to request flexible working from day one in the job, and carers also have the right to take up to a week’s unpaid carer’s leave a year.
Protection against discrimination and harassment:
If you look after an older or disabled person, the law (Equality Act 2010) protects you against direct discrimination or harassment because of your caring responsibilities. You may also be protected under other laws, including disability or sex discrimination legislation.
Hospital discharge:
The hospital discharge team has a duty to involve and consult carers when planning how the person they
care for is discharged from hospital. You should be involved at the earliest opportunity in decisions and plans around their ongoing care needs and what will happen when they come out of the hospital.
Carers support:
Carers UK Helpline
Provides information and guidance for unpaid carers on topics including carers’ assessments, your rights as a carer, financial support, support services and how to complain and challenge decisions etc.
0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm (including Bank Holidays)
Halton Carers Centre
Halton Carers Centre supports unpaid carers, who are looking after someone in the Halton area. Registering with the centre is free, won’t affect your benefits, and you can still be employed.
Halton Carers offer a wide range of support and services, including: information, training, advice, relaxation therapy, podiatry appointments, counselling, carers funding, day trips, support groups and more.
Register using the forms below:
- Adult Carers: https://forms.office.com/r/Bkp57JDe7f
- Young Carers: https://forms.office.com/r/xYQC2e4PWm
We’re proud to join Carers Rights Day in raising awareness of the rights, entitlements and wider support available for unpaid carers.
