Carers Rights Day – 26 November 2020
Are you looking after someone in the role of a Carer?
Many people at some point provide unpaid care for someone who is older, disabled or seriously ill. Carers Rights Day brings together organisations from across the UK to provide carers with information, advice and support.
This year’s theme is Know Your Rights. The Looking after Someone Guide 2020-2021 gives carers the practical and financial support available to them every year.
Wiltshire Health and Care has already taken several steps to support carers but we want to do even more.
So far we have:
- Proudly achieved accreditation as a “Working For Carers” Employer and developed a WHC Carers Charter
- Championed flexible working where possible, particularly during the pandemic and updated our Flexible Working Policy to confirm the right to flexible working requests for those individuals who are Carers
- Developed a Managers Guide to supporting Carers in the Workplace
- Invested in an additional and new Employee Assistance Programme for staff which can provide 24/7 personal help and support as well as advice and information on different areas of wellbeing
Key tips and support available for Carers:
- Get a benefits check
Carer’s Allowance is known as the main benefit for carers. But not everyone is eligible to claim it, so it’s a good idea to arrange a benefits check to see what financial support you may be entitled to. You can also use the Turn2us benefits calculator on our website: carersuk.org/benefits-calculator
For information about what financial support is available, visit carersuk.org, email advice@carersuk.org, visit the Turn2us website or contact your local Citizens Advice.
- Find out about practical support
You may need practical support to help you care, like short breaks, equipment to help make caring easier or information about local groups that can help.
All carers are entitled to a carer’s assessment from their local council which could lead to you receiving extra support from social care services to help with caring.
Contact your local council/trust social services department for a carer’s assessment or visit carersuk.org/assessment for more information.
- Connect with other carers
When we’re looking after someone, it’s not always easy to find people who really know what caring is like and are able to give us help and understanding. There are carer support groups across the UK that can help you meet other carers, as well as access local advice and support. Carers UK’s website has a directory of local services at carersuk.org/localsupport
The Carers Support Wiltshire leaflet contain further information.
Many carers also find online forums a huge source of support – a place where you can share what’s on your mind, anytime of the day or night, with other carers who understand what you are going through. Find out more about the Carers UK Forum at carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-support/carersuk-forum