Essex MP calling for method to identify unpaid carers this Carer's Rights Day
Charity Carers First estimates more than 124,000 people in Essex are providing care for a relative or friend.
An Essex MP and former teacher is calling for a method to identify young unpaid carers.
Chris Vince tells us young carers "often go forgotten" and is campaigning for change this Carer's Rights Day.
"It's good young carers are spoken about on the school census now but recent results show 72% of schools say they don't have any young carers, that just isn't right.
"There's a huge amount of work that needs to be done to improve identification of young carers" says Mr Vince.
Chris Vince met the Secretary culture, media and sport, Lisa Nandy last week to ask if young carers would be considered on her new youth strategy.
"One of the things I want to do as an MP is to raise awareness of young carers.
"I was delighted that Lisa Nandy committed to ensuring young carers would be an important part of her youth strategy."
Charity Carers First estimates more than 124,000 people in Essex are providing care for a relative or friend.
Essex County Council believe this number could be "far greater".
"Unpaid carers look after, help or support someone who wouldn’t be able to manage everyday life without their help. This may be as little as ten hours a week or more than 50."
"Carers’ Rights Day aims to help unpaid carers understand their rights at home, in health and in the workplace" wrote the council in a written statement.
Carers’ Rights Day (21 November) is a national campaign that aims to raise awareness of what rights carers have and signpost to information and guidance.
This Carers' Rights Day, the council wants to "reach all carers, but especially those who don’t identify as carers".
Carers in the UK have the right to:
- access a local information and advice service
- be consulted on services for them and the person they are caring for
- access support if they have eligible needs
- their wellbeing being at the forefront when local authorities are making decisions about them or planning services
- be protected against direct discrimination or harassment because of their caring responsibilities
- a carer’s assessment
- the person they care for is also entitled to a needs assessment
Children and young people aged under 18 who are providing care also have the right to be assessed for care and support
Carers also have rights at work including:
- the right not to be discriminated against
- the right to request flexible working
- the right to time off to care for dependants
- the right to up to five working days of unpaid carer's leave (new for 2024)
Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Integration, Councillor John Spence said:
“Unpaid carers play an incalculable role in ensuring wellbeing and comfort for those they love. Many see it as their responsibility to support their loved ones, friends and neighbours but don’t always realise there is information, guidance and support available for them, and laws that protect them.
“We are committed to helping carers to care, so it is critical that they have a full understanding of their rights.”
Today (21st November) MP Chris Vince will be attending a roundtable to discuss carers rights.
The council has produced a series of information videos which you can find here.
To find out more how carers are supported in Essex visit www.essex.gov.uk/carers