Carers Rights Day 2021
Unpaid carers rights
NEWCIS is one of the largest providers of carer services in Wales, delivering information, one to one support, training and counselling to carers who provide unpaid support to family or friends living in North-East Wales. NEWCIS is commissioned by Denbighshire County Council, Flintshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council and funded by Carers Trust and The National Lottery Community Fund.
"Wrexham County Borough Council commissions NEWCIS to deliver the carers service across Wrexham, and is working collaboratively with NEWCIS to ensure as many carers as possible are reached, and supported, and are aware of the rights they have as unpaid carers."
Cllr Christine Jones, Cabinet Member for Social Services at Flintshire County Council said “NEWCIS deliver an excellent service for unpaid carers in Flintshire, ensuring they are able to access their right to an assessment and delivering a range of services to support carers maintain their caring role.”
“Denbighshire County Council is committed to ensuring all unpaid carers are supported with their caring responsibilities. The local authority has teamed up again this year for Carers Right Day 2021, with NEWCIS and other partners to highlight that advice and support is available, where unpaid carers can go to find information, advice and assistance and encourage unpaid carers to know their legal rights.”
Unpaid carers are currently dealing with more challenges than ever before due to the coronavirus pandemic, affecting access to services, the ability to juggle work and care and much more. NEWCIS are committed to supporting carers through the imminent difficulties that the current climate is causing, and it is more important than ever that unpaid carers are aware of their rights.
Carers Rights Day is an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness on the rights that unpaid carers have. NEWCIS get behind the campaign every year; dedicated to empowering carers to be well-equipped with timely information and support. Whether you are a new carer or have been caring for someone for a while, it is important that you understand your rights and are able to access the support that is available to you.
Carers Wales recommended in the Carers UK ‘Caring behind closed doors: six months on’ report (October 2020) (https://www.carersuk.org/images/News_and_campaigns/Caring_Behind_Closed_Doors_Oct20.pdf) that the Welsh Government should reinstate as a matter of urgency its commitment to an awareness raising publicity campaign to identify and inform carers of their rights. In November 2021, the Welsh Government launched their #MakeYourSelfKnown campaign ahead of this year’s Carers Rights Day which explains the rights unpaid carers have under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2021-10/carers-rights-a5-leaflet.pdf
There are several rights included in the Act for all carers, whether you are a child, a young person or an adult. These include the right to wellbeing, the right to information, advice and assistance, the right to an assessment of your needs, the right to have your voice heard and the right to advocacy. NEWCIS can support you to learn more about your rights and to access support when you need it. Learn more at /www.newcis.org.uk/carers-rights/
Funeral planning and bereavement support
The theme this year is Funeral Planning. When someone you have been caring for passes away, it can feel overwhelming knowing what to you need to do and where to start. NEWCIS can provide support for unpaid carers as their caring role changes or ends. If the person being cared for has died, we can signpost you to our internal counselling service or to other organisations such as Cruse. We also run regular funeral planning sessions with Celtic Financial Planning Ltd. Contact us for more information or go to https://www.newcis.org.uk/bereavement-support/
Denbighshire lit up purple and green for carers to be seen
NEWCIS are delighted that Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. is, for the second year, lighting up their facilities in NEWCIS colours, purple and green – for unpaid carers to be seen in support of the campaign! Drive through Rhyl and see the town lit up on the evening of Carers Rights Day (25th November).
To register with NEWCIS visit https://www.newcis.org.uk/registering-with-newcis/
For support with your caring role, to access our services or to enquire about topics included in this article contact us on 01352 752525 or enquiries@newcis.org.uk