Published on:
28
November 2005
Hundreds of people in Clackmannanshire may be missing out on the support they are entitled to for looking after a sick or disabled relative at home, including benefits such as Carer's Allowance and Pension Credit.
They can find out more by attending a special Carers Rights Day event organised by Clackmannanshire Council on the morning of Friday 2nd December at Tesco, Alloa.
The Council is one of many groups across the UK taking part in Carers Rights Day, a national awareness dayorganisedby Carers Scotland and Carers UK. The aim of the day is to inform carers of the benefits and services available and any important recent changes to these.
Last year Carers Rights Day led to a big increase in claims for the main carers' benefit, Carer's Allowance, with 20,000 additional carers successfully claiming the benefit.
Representatives from the Council's Money Advice Team will be joined by Alloa Carers Centre, Alloa Citizens Advice Bureau, Clackmannanshire Care and Repair and DWP Pensions Service from Kirkcaldy. They will be on hand from 10am-noon to answer any questions and hand out leaflets and other literature.
You are invited to send a photographer to cover the event.
Eileen Grinly, the Council's senior money advisor said: "Anyone who looks after a sick or disabled person on an unpaid basis is a carer and may be able to get help. They would be very welcome to come along to our event at Tesco and pick up an information booklet or speak to an advisor.
"Many carers are unaware of the benefits and services available to them. Research tells us that carers' own health is twice as likely to suffer as a result of the stresses of caring and it is vital that carers know their rights, to ensure that they get the support they need.
"Carers should contact their local Jobcentre Plus, Citizens Advice Bureau, Clackmannanshire Care and Repair or Carers Centre who will be able to advise on financial help."
Carers Scotland have produced two information boolets for carers who want information about their entitlements, a Carers Rights Guide and a new booklet for carers over 60, Looking after Someone? These booklets will be available on the day or can be ordered by calling the Carers Rights Day hotline on 0808 808 7777.