This is an important day that brings organisations and communities together, to help spread the word so that carers know their rights and find out how to get the support they are entitled to.
Over half of carers take one year or more to realise that they are caring, and over a third take 3 years or more to identify with their caring role.* This means that many people are unaware of their legal rights and what they’re entitled to in terms of support and benefits. These rights relate to flexible working, being consulted on hospital discharge, being identified as a carer by your GP and the right to a Carers Assessment. Knowing your rights as a carer empowers you to know what you are entitled to and can help you in situations where your rights are not being met.
The financial strain on carers can be significant, especially at this time of year. One in three carers across the country live in poverty, and rising energy prices over the cold winter months mean thousands of them are having to choose between basic necessities. Care for the Carers’ Carer Money Matters project is supporting carers this winter, through Winter Warmer workshops. These workshops are practical, life-changing sessions for carers offering financial support, free energy-saving resources, and access to vital grants, plus the opportunity to connect with others in the same situation and reduce loneliness and isolation. We are asking for help to be able to host more Winter Warmer workshops in the coming months and help even more carers. Find out more about the Winter Warmer appeal and how you can help
Jennifer Twist, Chief Executive of Care for the Carers says: “You may be new to caring for someone, or may have been a carer for years – we are here to offer support to everyone. We want carers to know that they are not alone, that they have rights and that there is help available. On 20th November we are asking everyone in East Sussex to help raise awareness of Carers Rights Day and spread the word, so that no one is left to care alone.”
To support Carers Rights Day, get involved and help raise awareness!
Find out more about your rights as a carer and how you can show your support: Visit our Carers Rights Day page
Here about the Carer Money Matters project in the video below:
*Data source: Carers UK State of Caring 2024 Survey
