Jamie Stone urges unpaid carers to accept extra support
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Jamie Stone is urging unpaid carers across the Highlands to accept extra support in light of rising living costs.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross says he is well aware that people who care for others "can particularly feel the pinch".
According to the national charity Carers UK, there are around 6.5 million carers across the country. A carer is defined as a person of any age who provides unpaid care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour who is disabled, has an illness or long-term condition, or who needs extra help as they grow older.
In collaboration with Carers UK, Mr Stone is encouraging carers to:
- Contact an advice service to ask for a benefits check. It may be able to help ensure you're receiving all the support you're entitled to.
- Check with energy suppliers whether you, or the person you care for, can be added to a Priority Services Register for help in an energy supply emergency.
- Check that any appropriate disability-related expenditure has been factored into what you are charged if you are paying for care or support services via your local authority. More information on this is available at carersuk.org/disability-related-expenses
- Contact your energy supplier if you are worried that you, or the person you care for, may have difficulties paying energy bills.
- Look out for schemes to help your home's energy efficiency. Helpful organisations can be found at carersuk.org/fuel
- Check if your bank accounts or insurance policies have special offers. Some may offer discounts, reward schemes or cashback, which could help to reduce some day-to-day costs.
Mr Stone said: "As a carer myself, I know how tricky it can be to balance the books month to month. That's why it's hugely important to take the help on offer to us, but it's not always so clear what kind of support is available.
"If you are a carer, I am strongly encouraging you to give Carers UK a call on its helpline, or visit its website, to find out how you could be saving money. Everyone is facing rising costs at the moment, but unpaid carers can particularly feel the pinch."
