Carer Rights Day

What is Carers Rights Day?

Carers Rights Day is a national campaign that brings organisations together to help unpaid carers know their rights and find out how to get the support they are entitled to. Each year Carers Rights Day has a theme, and this year’s theme is ‘Caring Costs’.

What are your rights as a carer?

This year’s Carers Rights Day campaign will focus on raising awareness of the rights that unpaid carers have, particularly in the face of the Cost of Living crisis. The pandemic had a massive impact on the lives of carers, affecting access to services, the ability to juggle work and care and much more, and a lot of these limitations are still being phased out. Whether you are a new carer or have been caring for someone for a while, it is important that you understand your rights and are able to access the support that is available to you as soon as you need it. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support.

How can we help carers?

The Pandemic has affected carers in many different ways. Many carers are not aware of their rights, or what support they are entitled to.

Get involved and spread the word

You can help to raise awareness and reach more carers by getting involved. Print any of the posters below or show on your mobile or tablet to share online, in your work place and with your friends, family and networks. You can also display a poster on your work or community noticeboard, doctor’s surgery or library. Every single poster helps to raise awareness of unpaid carers and the rights that carers are entitled to.

Carers UK have online events throughout the day. More information here...

Carers have rights including:

• The right to receive a Carer’s Assessment

• The right to discuss flexible working options with your employer

• The right to protection from discrimination

• The right to request a free flu jab

• The right to be identified as a carer

• The right to be consulted on hospital discharge for the person you care for.

Carers rights useful resources

• Care Act information on Gov.UK

• Carers UK information about ‘Looking after someone’

• Turn2Us benefits calculator. Calculates entitlement to means-tested benefits and carers allowance.

• Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter full of carer information, news and opportunities to have your say

• Useful carer information and organisations on our website

• Luke Clements information about Carers and the law