Week of activity for Carers Rights Day
The Carers Hub, which is funded jointly by the county council and NHS, has a wonderful programme of webinars and online workshops on offer each day from Monday 21st to Friday 25th November for unpaid carers.
Together with our heath partners, we want to empower carers with information and support, so they can feel confident asking for what they need. The webinars and online workshops will cover a wide range of topics including the cost of living, hospital updates, safeguarding, the mental capacity act and the parent carer forum. Find out more.
There are also dedicated ‘Be Empowered’ sessions in community locations, or online via Zoom, email ‘bookings@peopleplus.co.uk’ for more information.
On Carers Rights Day, Thursday 24th November, the Carers Hub is holding a drop-in event from 10.30am – 1.30pm at Churchdown Community Association, Parton Road, Churchdown, GL3 2JH. This will be a chance for unpaid carers to speak face to face to a wide range of professionals from organisations across the county.
There are over 63,000 unpaid carers in Gloucestershire, 1 in 10 people are carers, and 1 in 7 juggle caring responsibilities with work.
Carers will often be looking after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, or who needs extra help as they grow older. This can have a significant impact on their lives, from relationships and health, to finances and work.
It is important for unpaid carers to know their rights and where they can access support when they need it, wherever they are in their caring journey. Whether that is in their workplace, in a healthcare setting, when interacting with professionals, or at home.
Cllr Kathy Williams, cabinet member for adult social care at Gloucestershire County Council said: “Some people don’t realise they would be classed as a carer, so they aren’t aware that a range of support is available. This includes the Carers Emergency Scheme, which builds on personal contingency planning and can mean that extra emergency support is available for carers if they need it.
“We want to empower all carers with information and support, so they can feel confident asking for what they need. If you or someone you know is a carer, contact the Gloucestershire Carers Hub for a chat to see how they can help.”
Kim George, Commissioning Manager for Adult Carers at NHS Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire County Council said: “We understand that being an unpaid carer can be a really lonely place. Carers in the community are not always visible and by marking Carers Rights Day we hope to highlight the role of the unpaid carer and the support available.
“Carrying out a caring role, whether it’s looking after a family member or a friend can affect people’s lives in a number of different ways so accessing the right support is key”.
Registering as a carer is free and easy visit: www.gloucestershirecarershub.co.uk , or call 0300 1119000.
Support is available for young carers from Gloucestershire Young Carers, visit www.glosyoungcarers.org.uk