Help and advice for local carers

The annual event, organised by Carers UK, is focussing on helping carers find financial help, give them a helping hand and make the most of technology.

Carers Rights Day 2012, hosted by Kirklees Council, is taking place from 10am to 2pm on Friday November 30 at the Gateway to Care in Huddersfield.

At a time of rising living costs, salary freezes and job losses many families are struggling across the UK.

But families affected by illness and disabilities are often the hardest hit, as they try to cope with the additional costs of caring and lost earnings.

Dawn Wood, Kirklees’s team manager for care navigation, said “We know it can take a long time for carers to find out about the support they are entitled to.

“We aim to work with our partner agencies to find carers in Kirklees and help them to navigate to the right support before a crisis happens.

“The day itself is about getting carers the information and advice they need to claim benefits, get a carer’s assessment and access support.

“We’re appealing to carers to come along and find out what support is available to them to help them in their caring role and plan for the future.”

Coun Molly Walton, Joint Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Kirklees Council is one of more than 1,000 organisations across the UK who take part in Carers Rights Day.

“These tough times mean that there has never been a more important time for carers to know their rights, and access all the support they are entitled to.

“Carers Rights Day is about getting carers the information and advice they need to access practical support and find out how technology can help take the pressure off, whilst raising awareness of the needs of carers.”

For more information call Kirklees’s Carers Gateway on 01484 226050.