Thursday the 23rd of November sees the return of Carers Rights Day!

At Barnsley Carers Service, we understand the many challenges that unpaid carers face, and we are here to help you in any way we can – every day of the year.

Your rights: today, tomorrow and in the future
Alongside Carers UK and other local and national charities and organisations, we aim to raise awareness of unpaid carers’ rights and to ensure that they have access to all the services and support they are entitled to.

Your rights, right now…
If you are juggling work alongside your caring responsibilities, you have the right to request flexible working. The Carers UK website has a great source of information on what your rights are and how to make a request to your employer.

If you provide unpaid care, you have the right to ask your GP practice to register you as a carer. This can help you to access things such as priority for vaccines and other public health campaigns. Carers UK has information on how to talk to your GP and even a template letter for you to use.

You have a right to look after your health and wellbeing as a carer. A simple way to do this is to exercise your right to request a free flu jab. Carers are also a priority group for accessing Covid booster jabs this Winter. If you need more information on this, please contact us.

New rights in the future…
The Carer’s Leave Act is expected to become law in 2024. The new legislation will give employees juggling work with unpaid care a legal right to request up to five days unpaid leave every twelve months, which will help many manage some of the day-to-day challenges of being a carer – enabling them to stay in employment.

With the introduction of the new Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act anyone, including unpaid will be able to ask their employer for changes to their working hours, times of work, or place of work, from day one. And being able to ask for a different flexible working arrangement more than once a year will be a huge help too.

Barnsley Carers Service will continue to campaign for a better future for all carers. One where they are properly supported, valued and provided with the support they need in their caring roles.

If you care for a family member or friend, it is important that you understand your rights and are able to access the appropriate support as soon as you need it.

This year, we are hosting tea and cake events at the Priory Centre on Thursday the 23rd of November between 10 am -2 pm.

Our team will be available to give you information, advice and support throughout the day, including on carers rights and benefits advice.

All carers and new faces are welcome.

Contact us on 01226 288772 or email barnsleycarers@cloverleaf-advocacy.co.uk if you’d like to find out more or need support.

If you’re unable to attend our Carers Rights Day event, you can still get involved with the campaign on social media by using #CarersRightsDay