Thurso event will help unpaid carers access support
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AN event will take place in Thurso next week to help unpaid carers access the support they are entitled to.
Connecting Carers is one of hundreds of groups across the UK taking part in Carers' Rights Day, which falls on Thursday, November 21.
Carers' Rights Day is an annual national awareness campaign organised by the charity Carers UK, aiming to reach as many as possible of the 6.5 million carers in the UK with information about their rights and the financial and practical help available to them.
This includes benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance, breaks and access to equipment and technology which can help them in their caring role. This year the charity is encouraging people to think about how caring might affect them now and in the future and what support they might need.
Connecting Carers will be hosting Carers' Rights Day events on Thursday in five locations in the Highlands, including Thurso's Pentland Hotel from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Carers are invited to go along and meet their local carer link worker who will be able to give information on the services and support that Connecting Carers can provide. There will also be a demonstration of a new online portal that will give carers secure access to their care documents.
Connecting Carers manager Roisin Connolly said: “This Carers' Rights Day, we hope to reach as many carers in Highland as possible with information and advice about the range of support they are entitled to – whether that’s certain benefits or practical help. If you are a Carer, or you know someone who is, we’d love you to come along to one of our events on Thursday 21st and find out more!”
Emily Holzhausen, director of policy and public affairs at Carers UK, said: “Most of us will care for or be cared for at some point in our lives. Supporting a loved one who is older, ill or has disabilities can be a source of great joy and satisfaction but without the right financial and practical support in place it can also be tough.
"This Carers' Rights Day we are encouraging people to think about what support they might need so that they don’t miss out now or in the future.
“Often people don’t identify themselves as carers, despite the care they provide to family and friends, and end up missing out for years on the right support. Getting the correct practical and financial help to take a break or manage the costs of caring is hugely important.
"That’s why Carers' Rights Day events like that run by Connecting Carers play such a vital role in reaching more carers with the crucial support, both practical and emotional, that they are entitled to.”
Events are also being held in Dingwall, Fort William, Golspie and Inverness.
All events are free and refreshments will be provided. For further information, or to book a place, call the Carer Centre on 01463 723575.
