At Carer Support Wiltshire, we are proud to stand alongside carers across the UK this Carers Rights Day. This annual event, provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of the rights of unpaid carers, whose dedication to their loved ones often go unrecognised.
The theme of this year’s Carers Rights Day is “Recognising Your Rights”, and as an organisation that supports unpaid carers throughout Wiltshire, we are passionate about ensuring that carers receive the recognition, support, and rights they truly deserve.
So what are your rights?
- Right to a Carer’s Assessment: Unpaid carers have the right to a carer’s assessment from their local council. This is a free, confidential assessment to understand the carer’s needs, the impact of their caring role, and the support they require. Find out how you can access a carers assessment here.
- Right to Support: Carers are entitled to support based on the outcome of the carer’s assessment. This could include practical assistance, access to information, or financial help. Local authorities are required to consider whether the carer is able to continue caring without additional support, and if necessary, provide help to meet their needs.
- Right to Paid Leave (Carer’s Leave): While unpaid carers are not guaranteed paid leave, they do have the right to take time off under the right to request flexible working. In certain circumstances, carers may also be eligible for Carer’s Leave through their employer.
- Right to Financial Support: Unpaid carers may be eligible for financial support, such as: Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Credit, Universal Credit. Eligibility for financial support depends on the carer’s income, the person they care for, and their specific circumstances.
- Right to Respite Care: Carers have the right to respite care, which provides temporary relief by arranging for someone else to take over the caring duties. This allows carers to rest, recover, or attend to personal matters.
- Right to Protection from Discrimination: Under the Equality Act 2010, unpaid carers are protected from discrimination in the workplace. This means carers cannot be treated unfairly or lose their job due to their caring responsibilities.
- Right to Information: Carers are entitled to information about their rights and available services.
- Right to Be Involved in Decisions: Unpaid carers have the right to be involved in decisions about the person they care for, especially in relation to health and care services.
It’s #AboutTime
In the UK, there are an estimated 6.5 million unpaid carers – people who provide essential support to a loved one or friend who is elderly, ill, or has a disability. Many of these carers work tirelessly, day after day, without any formal recognition or sufficient support. We believe It’s #AboutTime, that these unpaid carers get the recognition they deserve. That is why It’s #AboutTime is our official motto of this years annual carers expo that we put on in recognition of Carers Rights Day. This resonates deeply with us at Carer Support Wiltshire, as it speaks to the urgent need for change for carers in the UK.
Too often, the contributions made by family carers are overlooked by society, despite the enormous impact they have on their loved ones and the healthcare system – it is estimated that carers save the UK economy almost £60bn a year! It’s #AboutTime that carers’ voices are heard, their lived experiences are listened to, and reaching out for support doesn’t feel like a luxury. Carers understand the challenges of supporting a loved one more than anyone, and their insights should be an integral part of how services are designed and delivered.
Support Services for Carers
Carers often face challenges in navigating the complex systems of healthcare, social care, and financial support. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about where to turn. But it’s important to remember that support is available. Carer Support Wiltshire offers a range of services designed to make life easier for unpaid carers:
- Carer Money Matters: We’re here to help you feel more confident about money, both for yourself and those you care for. We provide advice on energy debt, reducing consumption, debt management, and building financial resilience. We offer tips to help you save money, maximize your income, and provide guidance on benefits you may be eligible for. Our Financial Wellbeing Officers can also discuss a range of other financial matters, including work and employment options around your caring role. Taking care of others starts with taking care of yourself. To access Carer Money Matters support, simply contact us. Find out more here.
- Telephone befriending service Here to Talk: Find out more here.
- Support Groups and Social Activities: Caring can be isolating, which is why we offer regular support groups, carer cafes and social events to help you connect with other carers, share experiences, and feel part of a caring community. You can see all our upcoming events here.
- Our monthly newsletter and what’s on guide: Will keep you up to date with news, events and services available. You can sign up here.
You Are Not Alone
On this Carers Rights Day, we want to remind you that you are not alone. If you’re an unpaid carer, Carer Support Wiltshire is here to support you in every step of your journey. It’s #AboutTime that carers like you receive the recognition, support, and respect you deserve. We are committed to helping you navigate the challenges of caring and to ensure that your rights are recognised and protected.
If you need support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Email us on admin@carersupportwiltshire.co.uk, or leave a message on 0800 181 4118 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
