Carers Rights Day on Thursday 23 November 2023 will empower unpaid carers with information and support, so they can feel confident asking for what they need and can challenge things when their rights are not being met.

Every year, Carers Rights Day brings organisations together to help carers in the community know their rights and find out how to get the help and support they are entitled to. Whether someone has recently become a carer, realised they have been caring for a while without support or has been caring for someone for many years, it’s important they understand their rights and are able to access the support that is available to them whenever they need it.
This year Carers Rights Day is on Thursday 23 November, and local charity Carers Network will be running a programme of online and in-person workshops, including sessions on Housing Rights and Responsibilities for carers. They will also have workshops to help carers with their energy bills, and accessing benefits.

Carers Rights Day this year will highlight the importance of all carers understanding their rights under the theme Your rights, today, tomorrow and in the future.

Carers Network provides help and support to local unpaid carers such as Ian:

Local unpaid carer Ian has been looking after his sister, who has a mental disability and is educationally challenged, since 2016.

“When I first approached Carers Network, I thought the support I’d get would be for my sister. I quickly became aware that my caring role meant I had a deficit of stimulation, with all my effort going into my demanding role caring for my sister.”

Through the support he received from Carers Network, Ian’s life has completely transformed. He was able to meet other carers who were going through similar situations, and the social events and activities that Carers Network organises improved his life.

“Through being supported by Carers Network, and meeting the team and fellow carers, my life has been enriched and my mental and physical health has improved. It can feel isolating being a carer, and it can often seem a thankless task, especially when caring for someone with a mental disability. The social gatherings, lunch clubs, coffee mornings, meetings and activity classes that Carers Network organise have helped to lift my spirit. I’ve also enjoyed the company of fellow male carers at the monthly male carers group. By taking part in all these activities I have been able to maintain a semblance of normality in life.

“The support Carers Network provides has given me greater awareness of my own self and needs. This has not just helped me become a better carer for my sister, but also enabled me to live a more enriched life that is engaged with the local community.”