CARERS RIGHTS DAY 2009

Thursday, 3rd December 2009

Wendy Alexander MSP URGES CARERS TO ‘CARE FOR THEIR INCOMES AND PENSIONS’

Wendy Alexander MSP added her support to Carers UK’s national carers’ rights campaign on Friday 4th December 2009.

There are 18031 carers in Renfrewshire who provide care and support to family, friends and neighbours, providing unpaid care worth an estimated £261 million each year. The Carers Rights Day campaign, run by Carers UK, seeks to increase the take-up of benefits and raise awareness of carers’ rights and the support that they may be able to get in order to protect their pensions. It might be the Carer’s Allowance, council tax discount, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit that makes a difference.

Wendy Alexander MSP said: “It’s a real concern that carers in (Paisley North) may not be getting all the help they are entitled to. Carers are fulfilling a vital role in society and without them the NHS and social work would not be able to cope. It is essential that they are given information about their rights so that they get the support they need in order to plan for their futures.”

Carers Scotland urged carers to get in touch with its Adviceline (0808 808 7777 or http://www.carersuk.org/) to receive a free booklet. Carers can also pick up booklets in their local Lloydspharmacy store.

Patrick Begley, Director said, “Many people assume that we will all automatically get a state pension, but you don’t. Pensions are built up from National Insurance contributions over the years. Many carers haven’t been able to make those contributions because of gaps in paid work and, despite their huge contribution to our society, there is a real risk that they will end up with less pension in their retirement. That is why it is so important they get advice and take steps to protect their pensions.”

Locally during the day Wendy Alexander MSP will be with Renfrewshire Carers at the Lagoon Leisure Centre – Upper Dance Studio on 1st Floor. as they are delighted to launch a project ‘Carers Training for Carers’, to develop and deliver training courses to carers – from half day courses to 7 weekly sessions.

To coincide with Carers Rights Day, Carers Scotland and Carers UK are publishing two new resources to help carers with advice, Caring about your pension and Looking after someone:  A carer’s guide to rights and entitlements.

Carers can order them in a number of ways: