Caring about Carers’ Rights

27 November, 2013

Carers’ Rights Day on 29 November will give unpaid carers in Hull the chance to find out what help is available for them and the person they support.

The Carers’ Information Bus will be in Queen Victoria square in Hull city centre and the Care-About team, part of the Carers’ Information and Support Service run by City Health Care Partnership CIC will be on hand to provide outreach information and advice. There are 23,000 carers supporting a loved one, friend or relative across Hull and thanks to a generous five-year grant from the Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, the Care-About team have been able to identify hidden carers and give them access to an information bus four times per year.

An unpaid carer is someone who provides support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.

The Care-About team helps carers to get the information and advice they need to claim benefits, access practical support and find out how technology can help take the pressure off. On Friday 29 November the theme will be ‘rights, advice, support,’ focussing on ensuring that carers understand their rights and get access to good quality advice that can support them to care.

They will be joined by teams from Department of Work and Pensions, Warm Zone, Alzheimer’s Society, City Health Care Partnership Active Lifestyles, British Red Cross, Inspire Communities, Hull City Council Telecare, Home Start and Sensory Team.

“We are pleased to be able to continue bringing vital information, advice and support to the local community through the Care-About Bus,” said Heather Kelly, Manager of the Carers’ Information and Support Service.