Know your rights event for carers

Carers in Plymouth are being invited to an event to raise awareness of their rights.

Every year, more than 2 million people in the UK become carers. It is estimated that up to 29,000 of these support someone in Plymouth. Many struggle to navigate the maze of services and entitlements, and miss out on financial and practical support. This includes people who may have been caring for years. Carers UL estimate that there are 6.5 million carers in the UK and this unpaid care saves the state £119 billion a year.

Carers Rights Day raises awareness of the needs of carers with the public, decision makers and professionals, helping us realise our vision of a society that respects, values and supports carers.

An event, funded by Healthwatch Plymouth, is being held at the Guild Hall on Friday 28th November from 9.30am to 2.30pm. Carers will be able to find out their rights and what services and benefits may be available to them. There will also be a free lunch. Councillor Ian Tuffin (Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Plymouth City Council) will open the event and Kate Jones from the Council will be speaking about the Care Act 2014.

This will be followed by workshops on carer’s assessment, benefits entitlements, advocacy and carer’s health and wellbeing checks. There will also be information stands and the Plymouth Carer’s Forum carer’s art exhibition to browse throughout the day.

Lee Sewrey, Manager of Carers Hub Plymouth, said: “Caring can present all kinds of challenges. We want every carer to know where to turn for advice, information and support, whether in the local community or online.”

Councillor Ian Tuffin, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care for Plymouth City Council, said: “Carers are often referred to as the forgotten army of the health and social care system. Plymouth City Council is committed to working together with all partners – including carers themselves – to develop and improve services that support them in their caring role.

“The Plymouth Carers Strategy sets out how we will work together to meet the needs of Carers in Plymouth, covering key themes such as carers not being recognised and supported as an expert care partner, enjoying a life outside caring, not being financially disadvantaged, are mentally and physically well, treated with dignity, and that children will be thriving and protected from inappropriate caring roles.

“Carers Rights Day is an excellent opportunity for carers to learn more about the support that is available to them, and how the Care Act 2014 strengthens the rights and recognition of carers in the social care system. I would urge local Carers to come along to the event and find out more.”

Plymouth City Council recently commissioned children’s charity Barnardo’s to produce a report on Young Carers. It is estimated there are 420 young carers in Plymouth alone.

Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health, said: “Young carers deserve to have a childhood – it is our responsibility to make sure this happens.”

If you would like further information or would like to book a place please contact the Carers Hub at Plymouth Guild on 01752 201890 or email chp@plymouthguild.org.uk or message us at www.facebook.com/carers.hubplymouth

Further information for carers is available at www.plymouthguild.org.uk/carers-hub/

Young Carers

For further information on the Barnardo’s Young Carers Service in Plymouth, call (01752) 856729 or email bycs@barnardos.org.uk