What is Carers Rights Day?

Carers Rights Day is a national campaign that brings organisations together to help unpaid carers know their rights and find out how to get the support they are entitled to.

Is there a theme for 2020?

The theme for Carers Rights Day 2020 is 'Know Your Rights'.

In a recent survey of nearly 6,000 carers, CarersUK found:

• Four in five unpaid carers are providing more care for relatives.
• 78% reported that the needs of the person they care for have increased during the pandemic.
• Two thirds (67%) worried about how they will cope through further lockdowns or local restrictions.

All carers should know their rights, no matter their environment. This Carers Rights Day, it’s important to raise awareness, so that carers understand and feel confident in what support they can access.

What do we know about caring in the UK?

Statistics provided by CarersUK.

Why does Carr Gomm support this initiative?

We employ over 1000 support practitioners, providing person-centred support across the length and breadth of Scotland. We currently support about 2,000 people every day across Scotland to live their lives safely and well according to their choices, whilst making plans to achieve their hopes and dreams for tomorrow.

We believe strongly in everyone knowing their rights, wherever they are in their support journey. From people supported, to our staff, and the many unpaid family care systems, the role of providing support is something many of us have experience of.

How can I get involved?

You don’t need to be an expert to help a carer find out about their rights. Sometimes pointing someone in the right direction for help, advice and support can make all the difference. Below, you'll find some pages that promote an activity to support unpaid carers; every activity will help raise awareness.

Join the conversation through the #Carersrightsday on twitter. Age UK are also holding free events throughout the day on their website here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/islington/about-us/news/2020/carers-rights-day-2020/

Where can I find support?

At this time, it may feel like taking care of your mental health and wellbeing is low on the priority list.  As hard as it may feel, it’s important to find even small ways to look after yourself.

• To find out about local carer support services, including carer centres near you, Care Information Scotland provide a detailed list of centres and young carer services across Scotland.
• Shared Care Scotland collects information on the places carers can access funding to have a short break. You can visit org/localsupport to see what is available where you live.
• Share Care Scotland’s website also has information about support that is available in your area. https://www.sharedcarescotland.org.uk/funddirectory/
• Please have a look at the resources on this government National Wellbeing Hub website and see if there’s anything that might help you during these difficult times.

Below is a directory for a long list of services that offer a wide variety of support that may be helpful to you.

Directory

Alzheimer’s Scotland

Information and advice for people with dementia and their carers.

T 0808 808 3000 alzscot.org

Age Scotland

Information and advice for the over 60s, and help to connect you with your community.

T 0800 12 44 222 ageuk.org.uk/Scotland

Care Information Scotland

This is a service providing Information about care services for people living in Scotland.

T 0800 011 3200 careinfoscotland.scot

Carers Trust Scotland

Information about local carer and young carer support services.

T 0300 772 7701 carers.org/Scotland

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

Support and information for people living with lung disease, heart disease and stroke and their families and carers.

T 0808 801 0899 chss.org.uk

Citizens Advice Scotland

Local offices for advice/representation on benefits, debt and housing.

cas.org.uk

Contact

Information and advice for families who care for children with a disability or special need.

T 0808 808 3555 contact.org.uk

Disabled Living Foundation

Information and advice on equipment for independent living.

T 0300 999 0004 dlf.org.uk

Enable

A membership organisation in Scotland for people with learning disabilities and family carers.

T 0300 0200 101 enable.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and advice for people with cancer, their families and carers.

T 0808 808 00 00 macmillan.org.uk

Marie Curie

Support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families.

T 0800 090 2309 mariecurie.org.uk

MND Scotland

Care and support to people affected by MND and their families.

T 0141 332 3903 mndscotland.org.uk

MS Society Scotland

Support and information to anyone living with MS and their families. T 0808 800 8000 mssociety.org.uk/contact-us/Scotland

National COVID-19 Helpline

Scotland’s national helpline if you or the person you care for is at high risk from COVID-19 and need support.

T 0800 111 4000 gov.scot/news/support-for-those-athigh-covid-19-risk/

NHS Inform

Scotland’s national health information service provides accurate and relevant information to help make informed decisions about their own health and the health of the people they care for.

T 0800 22 44 88 nhsinform.scot/

Shared Care Scotland

Information about taking a break from caring.

T 0138 362 2462 sharedcarescotland.com

Support in Mind Scotland

Information and advice for people affected by mental illness and their carers.

T 0131 662 4359 supportinmindscotland.org.uk

Relationships Scotland

Counselling and support services for couple, families and young people.

T 0345 119 2020 relationships-scotland.org.uk

Shelter Scotland

Information and advice on housing issues.

T 0808 800 4444 scotland.shelter.org.uk