Free Event to Help Unpaid Carers

Carers Rights Day

PEOPLE in Reading who provide unpaid care for a friend, relative or neighbour can access support and information at an event to mark National Carers Rights Day 2019 on Thursday 21 November.

The free event aims to reach out to people who might not access all the support they are entitled to and also to recognise the vital role unpaid carers play in the wellbeing of the community. In Reading, an estimated 12,000 people provide unpaid care for someone who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. The event is hosted by the Reading and West Berkshire Carers Hub with support from Reading Council, local voluntary care sector providers, carers and charities. The event runs from 2pm to 6pm at Wycliffe Baptist Church, 233 King's Rd, Reading RG1 4LS. The theme of the national campaign this year is 'Helping you find your way' with the aim of encouraging people to think about how caring might affect them now and in the future and what support they might need. Reflecting this theme, advice and information will be provided at the event, which will also feature a series of presentations relating to health, benefits and carer assessments. The event organisers are also keen to reach unpaid carers who also work and may not be aware of their rights and the support they are entitled to from their employers. Information stands manned by community groups and charities will run throughout the event for people who cannot stay for the whole event. Light refreshments will also be available. Although there is no need to book for the event, people will need to book in advance for advice sessions including Health MOTs and Power of Attorney. To book an advice session appointment or for any queries, please contact Carers Hub on 0118 342 7333 or email ask@berkshirecarershub.org

Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“Carers play an essential role in our community and they deserve the best advice and support in their role as well as help in maintaining their own independent lives. Most of us will care for or be cared for at some point in our lives. Support for 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. We’re encouraging people to think about what support they might need so that they don’t miss out now or in the future.”

Cllr Tony Jones, Reading’s Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said:

“This Carers Rights Day, we hope to reach as many carers in Reading as possible with information and advice about the range of support they are entitled to – whether that’s certain benefits or practical help, like getting adaptations in the home. If you are a carer, or you know someone who is, we’d love you to come along to Wycliffe Baptist Church on Thursday 21 November from 2 to 6pm and find out more!”

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Notes

Carers

A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. Anyone can become a carer; carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age. Carers carry out unpaid household chores, help people dress or wash, give emotional support or arrange medical appointments. ‘Parent carers’ provide extra support because their child has a disability, and there are also many young carers who support a sibling, parent or other family member. Reading and West Berkshire Carers Hub offers a much needed first point of contact for people who provide vital unpaid care to friends, family and neighbours. It supports carers to get the most out of key support services, including carer’s assessments, personal budgets and health-checks. Adults across Reading and West Berkshire who are providing unpaid/informal support to loved ones who need extra help are encouraged to find out more at www.berkshirecarershub.org

About Carers Rights Day

Organised by the national charity Carers UK, Carers Rights Day is an annual nationwide event which encourages local carers groups, public services and employers to help inform carers of the practical and financial support available to them at all stages of their caring journey. This year’s Carers Rights Day is taking place on Thursday 21 November 2019. For more information, visit www.carersuk.org/home