MONEY matters is the theme of this year’s National Carers Rights Day which is being backed by Derbyshire County Council.

Events and information displays have been organised to mark the national awareness day on Friday, December 2, and help to ensure people are aware of the support and benefits that are available.

The county council is also launching its new free Carers Directory, which brings details of all local services available for carers together in one guide. The launch of the directory, compiled by Derbyshire Carers’ Association, is on Thursday, December 1, at The Carers Centre at West Bars, Chesterfield, at 11.30am.

It is estimated there are around 90,000 carers across Derbyshire and National Carers Rights Day is used by the county council, health bodies and Derbyshire Carers Association (DCA) to highlight the services that are available to support them and encourage them to come forward for help, advice and support.

This includes encouraging people to tell their GPs if they are a carer so this can be taken in to consideration when they visit.

The county council also uses the national day to highlight the benefits of carrying its Carers Emergency Card and encouraging people to have a carer’s assessment if they haven’t yet had one.

People who care for someone for at least 14 hours a week or who care for someone for less time but on a regular basis can request an assessment to see if they are entitled to extra support.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Care Councillor Charles Jones said: “Thousands of people across Derbyshire provide vital care and support for elderly or ill relatives, partners and friends but many don’t even recognise themselves as carers.

“Carers Rights Day gives us a good opportunity to highlight the services available for carers and to let them know there is help out there.

“This can be practical support like respite care or a sitting service to benefits checks to make sure they are getting all they are entitled to.

http://www.belpernews.co.uk/news/local/