Directory

Access tools

Set Text size

| |

Set Contrast

| |

Text only
Translation
Listen

News

Carers Have Rights To Get Help!

A 'Carers' Rights Day' event will be held in Broadstone in Poole on Friday 8 December between 10.00 am and 3.30 pm, for anyone who looks after a friend or relative who is elderly, frail or has a long term illness.

Borough of Poole Social Services, Poole Hospital NHS Trust , Dorset Healthcare NHS , Poole Primary Care Trust , and other organisations that work with carers, will be at the event with information about services and support available. Opportunities will be available for carers to discuss the services they are receiving with experts.

The event, which is part of 'Carers UK' annual 'Carers' Rights Day', will include special presentations about the rights of carers to access services and benefits, and there will be  guest speakers from the Pensions Service and Poole Citizens Advice Bureau.

Cllr Elaine Atkinson, Portfolio Holder for Community Support, said: "This event is an excellent opportunity for carers to find out exactly what support is available to them from professional organisations. It is also a chance for carers to meet people in similar situations to themselves and share experience and advice."

Cllr Ray Smith, 'Carers Champion', said: "Over the past year we have raised sufficient funds to provide social activities to engage carers, and these have been very successful. I would encourage carers to attend the day, and speak to the experts about their own individual circumstances. This will be invaluable for carers who are unsure of the services available to them and people wanting specific advice."

Val Mitchell, Carers Services Manager, Borough of Poole, said "One in eight people care for a friend or relative on an unpaid basis, many do not know about the help that they can get or how to access it.  The day, which includes a light lunch, is provided free of charge for people who live in Poole. It is possible  to come for the whole day or just  part of the day. "

Carers should telephone Val Mitchell 01202 261174 to book a place and get advice about a low cost sitting service that can look after the person that they care for whilst they attend.

Val Mitchell, Carers Services Manager, Borough of Poole, Tel: 01202 261174