Most of us will provide unpaid care for someone who is older, disabled or seriously ill at some point in our lives.

Taking place on Thursday 26 November, Carers Rights Day brings together organisations from across the UK to reach out to carers with information, advice and support. 

This year’s theme is Know Your Rights. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of caring, affecting carers’ access to support and services, and their physical and mental health. Many are caring for the first time, while those who’ve been caring for a while are facing greater challenges and pressures than ever before. It’s never been more important for carers to be informed and know their rights.

Sefton Carers Centre provides free advice and support to unpaid carers living throughout the borough. To help carers find out more about their rights, our specialist teams will be available to take telephone calls during Carers Rights Day and answer any questions carers might have about their caring role.

Vicky Keeley, CEO of Sefton Carers Centre, said: “Caring has become a lot more challenging for unpaid carers who are living in unprecedented times. Carers are under increased stress and demands on their time have become overwhelming, which is leading to a rise in mental health issues and deterioration in carers wellbeing.

“It is therefore important that carers have the opportunity to know and understand their rights and be recognised for the essential work they do. This Carers Rights Day we want to promote the voice of our local carers now and in the future.”

As well as providing one-to-one support Sefton Carers Centre will be hosting a virtual coffee morning via Zoom, 10am – 11am, for carers to connect with each other, share tips and speak to people who understand what it’s like to care for someone.

To join the event please register at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carers-rights-day-coffee-morning-tickets-129665273323

A number of videos have been recorded with public sector and voluntary sector organisations to answer questions from local carers of all ages to help explain their rights and the support available to them. These can be watched on the Sefton Carers Centre website from Thursday 26 November: sefton-carers.org.uk

To help you know what you are entitled to, you can read the latest Looking after someone guide, which gives carers the full picture of the practical and financial support available to them every year. The latest 2020-21 guide can be downloaded at: carersuk.org/LAS

You can also call the Sefton Carers helpline on 0151 288 6086 or email: help@carers.sefton.gov.uk

Contact numbers for specialist teams on Carers Rights Day (26/11/20), 10am - 3pm:

• Welfare Benefits Advice – 0151 288 6060
• Carers Courses and Older Activities Project – 0151 288 6092
• Carers Support Service – 0151 288 6086
• Parent Carer Service - 0151 288 6086
• Young Carers - 07719 314 205
• Personal Health Budgets – 0151 288 6110
• Direct Payments – 0151 288 6071
• Living Well Sefton - 07394 540 393