Carers Rights Workshop Welcome

Nicola Hartley Development Manager Midlands & East of England The Princess Royal Trust for Carers

144 centres /services across the UK varying in size from 4 staff to over young carers services ,000 carers 25,000 young carers

The Network of Support Finding hidden carers Providing the right information Ensuring carer’s voice are heard Emotional support Making caring a positive experience Building strategic partnerships locally Influencing policy to improve services to carers

What we do Our vision Carers are recognised, valued and able to maximise their quality of life. Our mission To meet the diverse needs of carers through excellent local and national services.

To ensure that carers are able to influence decisions which affect their lives. To work effectively with Carers' Centres and other partners to develop, promote and deliver high quality services for carers. To raise awareness of carers and the contribution they make to society. To secure the sustainability of The Trust and to effectively manage its resources and support to the network Our strategic aims

Who is a Carer? without payment provides help and support partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour That person could not manage without help. Age, illness, disability, addiction

Caring: The Facts 6 million+ carers in the UK – 1 in 10 of the population 175,000 under 18yrs 1.5 million provide care for over 50 hours per week 18% of carers look after more than one person Each year 2.3 million people become carers Carers save the government an estimated £119bn p/a

Real Change not Short Change Carers UK % of carers worse of as result of caring 54% had to give up work 53% said financial concerns causing stress 33% in debt

NHS survey of carers 1/2 of carers in England experience health problems 1/3 of 5 million carers in England feel stressed 1/4 have disturbed sleep. 1/3 are left tired from caring. 3/5 anticipate the amount of time they spend caring will increase in the next five years. 11% of carers receive Carer’s Allowance

Carers’ Rights Right to request a carers assessment Right to request flexible working Carers allowance Emotional & Practical Support

Carers Assessments Carers and Disabled Children’s Act 2000 Right to request CA whether or not the cared for person is being assessed Allows services to be provided directly to carers

Carers’ Assessment Carers Equal Opportunities Act 2004 Duty of social services to inform the carer of their right to a carers assessment Someone providing or intending to provide regular / substantial care It is the carers choice whether to have the assessment Ability to provide & continue to provide care Employment, leisure & training opportunities

What is a Carers Assessment? opportunity to tell social services about your caring role Are you able to get time for yourself? Do you get out and about? the affect caring is having on your health, how it's affecting your relationships with others, Work & leisure opportunities

Flexible Working

Support for YOU Contact your local Carers Centre One to one support Practical support Emotional support Social groups Activities

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Carers Online Chat rooms to connect with other carers Discussions Access to information, advice & support 24 hours, 7 days consultation

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