National Carer’s Rights Day – Friday 24th November
Friday 24th November is National Carers Rights Day across the UK, and North Tyneside Citizens Advice wants to make sure carers get the help and support they are entitled to.
Research by Carers UK shows that people often don’t see themselves as carers, meaning they aren’t identified and miss out on both practical and financial support.
However, anyone who takes responsibility for looking after an ill, elderly or disabled person (such as a relative or friend), can be considered a carer – even if they only help the person for a few hours a week. They don’t have to be living with that person either. The only exception is if they provide care as part of their paid employment.
If you are a carer as described above, you’re entitled to an assessment of your own needs by the council, who have a duty to help carers as well as those with disabilities. You can contact North Tyneside Gateway for Adult Social Services on 0191 643 2777.
If you care for someone for 35 hours a week or more then you may also be entitled to benefits for doing so. Contact North Tyneside Citizens Advice on 0344 245 1288 for further information, or if you would like to discuss anything else with us – we can also advise on issues such as Debt, Housing, Employment or Family problems.
You can also download the SIGN Mobile app by searching SIGN.NT in the app store in your phone. This app was developed in partnership between North Tyneside Council and local support agencies such as Citizens Advice, and contains a directory of what services and support you can access locally.
So far this year, North Tyneside Citizens Advice have had 280 queries about carer benefits, and have helped 122 full-time carers with their issues.
