News-Carers urged to check what benefits they are entitled to

We are supporting Carers' Rights Day (21 November), an international day which raises awareness of the challenges unpaid carers face and brings organisations together to help them access support.

Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or a friend. Many do not see themselves as carers and are often unaware of their legal rights and what support and benefits are available to them.

Information sessions

With the theme of this year's Carers' Rights Day being 'recognising your rights', Durham County Carers Support, a charity commissioned by us, is running sessions across County Durham and Darlington where unpaid carers can find out more information about the support available.

The sessions will take place on:

• Monday 18 November, 11.30am to 1.30pm, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.
• Tuesday 19 November, 11.30am to 1.30pm, at the Masonic Hall in Consett.
• Wednesday 20 November, 11.30am to 1.30pm, at The Witham in Barnard Castle.
• Thursday 21 November, 11.30am to 1.30pm, at St Catherines Community Centre in Crook.
• Thursday 21 November, 9.30am to 4.30pm, at the NHS Melissa Bus in Dalton Park.
• Thursday 21 November, 10.00am to 1.30pm, at Darlington Memorial Hospital.
• Friday 22 November, 10.30am to 12.30pm, at Bullion Hall in Chester-le-Street.
• Friday 22 November, 11.00am to 2.00pm, at Morrisons (North Road) in Darlington

Challenging but rewarding

Cllr Chris Hood, our Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: "Caring for a relative, friend or neighbour can be very rewarding, but it can also at times be challenging and exhausting.

"As a carer, it is important to be aware of your rights as it empowers you with the knowledge of what you are entitled to. This can help you feel confident in asking for what you need, whether that be in the workplace or education, in accessing health or social care, or when interacting with other professionals or at home.

"There is so much help available, from Durham County Carers Support and many other local agencies, with excellent links across health, social care, and the voluntary and community sector. Our aim is to help carers recognise and understand their rights so that they can access the support available to them, whenever they need it."

Durham County Carers Support

Durham County Carers Support provides unpaid carers with financial advice on the benefits carers can apply for, help to fill out forms, and assistance in applying for grants to help them provide care. The charity also provides emotional support, including counselling.

To coincide with Carers Rights Day, Durham County Carers Support has awarded us Carer Friendly Employer Status for our work to support our staff who are also unpaid carers.

Other organisations can become a Carer Friendly Employer, where they can receive online training courses on how they can support and celebrate carers in the workplace.