From: “Reading Borough Council” <webmaster@reading.gov.uk>
Date: 18 Nov 2014 11:18
Subject: Carers Encouraged to Make the Most of their New Rights at Free Event
To: <Racheleden.whitley@gmail.com>
Cc:
Carers Encouraged to Make the Most of their New Rights at Free Event
18/11/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release
PEOPLE in Reading who care for a friend, relative or neighbour can find support and information at an event to mark national Carers Rights Day on 28th November.
More than 12,000 adults* in Reading keep family members, friends or neighbours afloat during physical or mental illness, disability, substance misuse or in old age. They carry out household chores, help people dress or wash, give emotional support or arrange medical appointments. ‘Parent carers’ provide extra support because their child has a disability, and there are also many young carers who support a sibling, parent or other family member.
Some people may not see themselves as carers or know – under new legislation coming into effect from April 2015 – that they have specific rights and that they are entitled to additional social care support. The Council is keen to work with carers on updating its approach to reflect the changes in national legislation.
Advice and information on the legislative changes and how they affect carers will be provided at the free drop-in event on Friday 28th November from 2pm-4pm, in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre.
The event will cover a range of Care Act changes, how to get the most out of a carer’s assessment, and what carers can expect in terms of support once their assessment is completed.
Cllr Rachel Eden, Lead Member for Adult Social Care said:
“Many of us will be a carer at some point in our lives. Carers play an essential role in our community and they deserve the best advice and support in their role as well as help in maintaining their own independent lives.
“Reading Borough Council is proud of its services to carers which go beyond national requirements. While some of the changes in the Care Act are to be welcomed as they will make it clearer to carers what they can expect, Reading Borough Council is consulting on implementing the Care Act and plans to continue to provide services to carers free of charge, despite the national changes.
“I’d encourage carers to come along to this event to find out more about support they and their loved one can get to make the most of life.”
Cllr Jan Gavin, Lead Member for Children's Services said:
“Some people may not even see themselves as being a carer – they may be the parent of a disabled child or help an elderly neighbour with their day-to-day needs – and simply do not realise that they are entitled to any help.
“The National Carers Rights Day event is just one of the ways that Reading Borough Council and our partners are working to ensure carers have the support and services they need.”
Information stands manned by community groups and charities including Berkshire Carers Service, Crossroads Care Reading, Healthwatch Reading and the Reading Families Forum – in addition to RBC’s Adult Social Care, Young Carers and Telecare services – will run outside the Council Chamber from 1.30 – 5.00pm for people who cannot stay for the whole event.
A free guide to Carers Rights – including financial and workplace advice and where to go for practical help – will be available at the event and is also online at http://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-resources/carers-rights-guide
Light refreshments will be provided at the event and RBC staff will be on hand to help register new carers.
Carers who need extra support to attend, such as arranging a sitter for the day, can contact Emily Hodges on 0118 9372654 or emily.hodges@reading.gov.uk. Carers who can’t attend can also make contact to request an information pack on the Care Act be sent to them.
*12,200 people in Reading carry out a caring role, according to the 2011 Census.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
Reading Borough Council Press Releases can be found online at http://www.reading.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/
Media Contact: Anna Fowler
Tel: 0118 937 3957
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