An independent London charity will hold free drop-in sessions on Carers Rights Day in a bid to encourage unpaid carers to come forward and seek support.
Carers Network, a charity which provides vital support to unpaid carers in the City of Westminster and the surrounding boroughs, will host its new ‘Know your Rights’ drop-in sessions at six local GP surgeries. The sessions will support those, currently looking after adults aged 18 and above, who don’t receive the support they are entitled to.
Taking place at Randolph Surgery, Canberra Old Oak Surgery, Cassidy Medical Practice, Barlby Surgery and Kings Road Medical Practice on Thursday 21st November between 1pm and 4pm, each session will provide unpaid carers with an understanding of their rights, as well as information about the support available through Carers Network.
Carers Network was established in 1991 and offers valuable advice to people who care for adults aged 18 and above, such as how to get a carers assessment; where to get funding and their rights for flexible working; as well as providing specialist support groups for those caring for adults with specific health issues.
Its mission is to ensure that every unpaid carer is recognised and leads a healthy, fulfilling life with control over their caring role.
Serving the most isolated and deprived pockets of the City of Westminster, the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, they have helped over 5,300 carers get access to the support they deserve.
The charity hopes that, by holding the sessions on Carers Rights Day – a national awareness day co-ordinated by Carers UK – they will raise awareness of the thousands of carers struggling each day and encourage more people to come forward to access their free support.
Sally Miller, CEO at Carers Network, said: “Carers are an often-overlooked group. They make enormous sacrifices, often putting their own life and wellbeing on hold to support their loved ones. Such selfless dedication can take a toll on their physical and mental health and finances.
“It is thought that over 6,000 people in the United Kingdom become carers for a family member, friend or neighbour each day, and often unexpectedly. This means they often have no way to plan or prepare for the sudden changes that occur.
“We are already in contact with over 5,300 of these carers but we need to reach out to the thousands more that need our help.”
