Carers Rights Day

Carers Rights Day – the theme for 2018 is ‘Caring for your Future’.  Being a carer comes with huge responsibilities – people often give up their jobs and many enjoyable aspects of their lives to look after a friend, relative or neighbour.   It’s an ultimate act of human kindness.

Carers Rights Day is celebrated for a few important reasons.   Every year £843 million worth of benefits go unclaimed by carers who don’t realise they are entitled to them.

With 2 million new carers yearly, providing straightforward information and access to support is very important.  This might be time off or help with looking after the person being cared for.  Carers deserve the same chances at life as everyone else: good health, work opportunities and the freedom to pursue their own interests.  But carers are often so rushed off their feet these things are just impossible to achieve.   Carers health and carers mental health can be overlooked because they are so dedicated to putting others first.

Lots of people got involved in 2017.  GP surgeries, local councils, libraries, charities, and many other community groups provided help to local carers.   Research was covered by the BBC, GMTV, and other popular TV and radio stations.

How would you like to help?  You could ask locations like a local shopping centre to let you put up a stall, or hold a debate.  Find more information on carers services and how you can help at the official Carers Rights Day website.

You could also make a much appreciated donation at the Carers UK website.

Are you a carer?  Carers can be hard on themselves and can be so busy looking after others that they forget to look after their own well-being too.

Thankfully, there is lots of help, advice and tips on Carers UK website to help maintain a positive attitude. Who are the tips provided by?  Carers, for the benefit of other carers!  Who knows better after all?

Something as simple as a nice bath or taking time out to read a book you really enjoy can do the world of good.  Go on, you deserve it!