Championing carers’ rights
In North Tyneside, tens of thousands of people provide unpaid care for someone and many do so without the support they need or without any idea of their rights.
This week is Carers Rights Day (20 November), a UK-wide campaign to raise awareness of the legal rights of unpaid carers and help them access the support they are entitled to.
Read our previous blog for details of carers rights.
We believe championing carers’ rights isn’t just something we talk about once a year, it’s at the heart of everything we do.
From making sure carers know their legal entitlements, to influencing local services and national conversations, we’re working every day to ensure carers are heard, included and supported.
Carers often tell us the biggest challenge isn’t the care itself, it’s navigating the often complicated systems around it including benefits, employment rights and carer’s assessments. That’s where we can help.
Our team can share information with carers in a clear way from flexible working rights to direct payments and energy advice.
Carers should have a say in the services that affect them and we’re proud to provide a place where their voices can be heard. Our Adult Carers Forum brings people together to share their real, lived experiences, have a say on local health and social care, shape the future of services for carers in North Tyneside and raise any issues where action is needed.
Carers who have joined tell us it’s empowering to realise they’re not just being listened to, they’re being taken seriously.
“Attending the Carers Forum gives me a voice and enables me to contribute to what I believe is an essential service for carers. The forum also gives you exposure to other services like Living Well, and has also enabled me to attend Parliament to give my views and explain my experiences to MP’s, a rare opportunity indeed!”
Christine Curry
If you would like to join that forum, get in touch using the details below. It’s a friendly, welcoming group that meets monthly.
At North Tyneside Carers’ Centre we play a role in influencing local and national conversations so that carers’ views are represented. We contribute to local authority meetings, NHS and social care groups, national campaigns, research projects and Parliamentary conversations.
Whether it’s an employer not understanding flexible working rights, a GP unaware of carers’ needs, or confusion around financial entitlements, many carers don’t feel able to speak up.
We support carers to advocate for themselves, challenge unfair treatment, communicate confidently with professionals and understand what they are entitled to.
If you would like more information on the training sessions we deliver, visit our website here.
If you need information or support, or want to get involved in championing carers’ rights, you can reach our team on the details below:
0191 2496480