Ross-shire carers invited to information day; events in Dingwall, Golspie and Inverness coincide with Carers Rights Day
ROSS-SHIRE carers looking for a lifeline in their search for help finding practical assistance and benefits they might be entitled to are being urged to attend one of a series of special events next week.
Dingwall-based Connecting Carers is one of hundreds of groups across the UK taking part in Carers Rights Day, which falls on Thursday, November 21.
The annual national awareness campaign organised by the charity Carers UK aims to reach as many of the 6.5 million carers in the UK as possible with information about their rights and the financial and practical help they are entitled to.
This includes benefits such as Carer’s Allowance, breaks and access to equipment and technology which can help them in their caring role.
This year the charity is encouraging people to think about how caring might affect them now and in the future and what support they might need.
Carers are invited to come along and meet their local carer link worker who will be available to provide information on the services and support that Connecting Carers can provide.
There will also be a demonstration of the group's Carers Portal, which is a new online portal offering secure access to their care documents.
Roisin Connolly, Connecting Carers manager said: “This Carers Rights Day, we hope to reach as many carers in Highland as possible with information and advice about the range of support they are entitled to – whether that’s certain benefits or practical help. If you are a carer, or you know someone who is, we’d love you to come along to one of our events on Thursday 21st and find out more!"
Emily Holzhausen OBE, director of policy and public affairs at Carers UK, said: “Most of us will care for or be cared for at some point in our lives. Supporting for a loved one who is older, ill or has disabilities can be a source of great joy and satisfaction but without the right financial and practical support in place it can also be tough. This Carers Rights Day we’re encouraging people to think about what support they might need so that they don’t miss out now or in the future.
“Often people don’t identify themselves as carers, despite the care they provide to family and friends, and end up missing out for years on the right support. Getting the correct practical and financial help to take a break or manage the costs of caring is hugely important. That’s why Carers Rights Day events like that run by Connecting Carers play such a vital role in reaching more carers with the crucial support, both practical and emotional, that they are entitled to.”
Events on November 21 include Dingwall at Tulloch Castle from 10am until noon; Golspie at the Golspie Inn from 10.30am–12.30pm and Inverness at the Spectrum Centre from 10am–noon.
All events are free and refreshments will be provided. For further information, or to book a place please call the Carer Centre on 01463 723575.
Anyone wanting information on any of the services that Connecting Carers provides can call the Carers support line on 01463 723560 (Monday to Friday, 10am -4pm)
or email carers@connectingcarers.org.uk