News and Events News Carer's Rights Day 2022 Thursday, 24th November 2022 Carers Rights Day is a nationally recognised annual awareness day run by Carers UK that; Recognises the vital contributions unpaid carers make to society. Ensures unpaid carers are aware of their rights. Lets unpaid carers know where to get help and support. Raises awareness of the needs of unpaid carers. What rights do unpaid carers have? The right to have a Carer's Assessment. The right to choose whether or not to be an unpaid carer. The right to request a free flu jab. The right to request Carer's Leave and flexible working at work. The right not to be discriminated against or harassed as a result of their caring role and "association" with a disabled person. The right to access specific advice and information for carers that you can understand. The right to be helped to develop a Carer's Support Plan. Carer's Assessment A Carer's Assessment should look at all aspects of a caring role, as well as identify the needs of the carer. This may include planning a budget to pay for something that will improve the wellbeing and day-to-day life of the carer. We (Gateshead Carers) now conduct Carer's Assessment on behalf of Gateshead Council. If you would like to have a Carer's Assessment, please contact Adult Social Care or contact us and we can refer you. Choosing whether or not to be an unpaid carer Anyone can choose to be an unpaid carer, there is no legal obligation to be one. You may feel morally obliged to be someone's carer; however, willingness and ability to provide that unpaid care should not be assumed. Furthermore, carers are entitled to be protected from the impact of an unpaid caring role. We're here to ensure all carers feel supported in their caring role or to stop providing care if that's what they choose. Request a Free Flu Jab Getting your seasonal flu jab is the best way to keep you and the person you care for protected. Government policy states that unpaid carers are eligible to receive a free flu vaccination. You can request one from your GP surgery or local pharmacist. You can find out more on the NHS website. Requesting Carer's Leave and Flexible Working from an employer If you have worked with the same employer for the last 26 weeks, you can apply for flexible working. This can offer you more opportunities to attend appointments and handle any caring responsibilities that may appear. The GOV.UK website has lots of useful information on applying for flexible working. We've also written a blog post on understanding your rights to work and requesting flexible working. Wellbeing Principles for both Unpaid Carers and the person they care for Under the Care Act 2014, there are nine different wellbeing principles. These are; Personal Dignity Physical Mental, and Emotional Health and Wellbeing Protection from Abuse and Neglect Control by the individual over day-to-day life Participation in work, education, training or recreation Social and Economic Wellbeing Domestic, Family and Personal Life Suitability of Living Accommodation The Individual's contribution to society Carers' wellbeing is to be protected in these principles equally to those they care for. Access Information and Support Under the Care Act 2014, Local Authorities have a duty to provide information and advice, to promote wellbeing and, where possible, to prevent people needing support. They also have a duty to provide unpaid carers with support to meet their needs, according to national eligibility criteria. Developing a Carer Support Plan As part of a Carer's Assessment, unpaid carers should expect to receive a support plan, as well as any conditions on which any financial support is given. If you have any questions, please be sure to contact us. Manage Cookie Preferences