Carers urged to know their rights and access support

Carers in Bridgend county borough are being reminded of the support available to them ahead of Carers Rights Day on Thursday, 26 November.

The theme for this year’s event is Know Your Rights, with the aim of ensuring carers are aware of their rights and know where to get help and support, while also raising awareness of their needs.

The Bridgend Carers Wellbeing Service is hosting a Carers Expert Panel over Zoom at 1pm-2.30pm on Thursday to give carers the chance to have a say on what matters to them.

Cabinet member for social services and early help Councillor Nicole Burnett said: “Almost 18,000 local residents act as unpaid carers for relatives, friends, partners or neighbours in the county borough and the daily pressures that a carer can face, particularly during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, often remain hidden from public view.

 “I would urge carers to access the support that is available to them and join in with the panel discussion so they can be involved in developing services and give an independent voice to fellow carers and those they look after.”

A 24-hour helpline is available for carers to support them in their caring duties, please contact 01656 336969.

You can also visit the Bridgend Carers Wellbeing Service website to find out more about local support.

To join the panel on Thursday, call Helen Davey-Thiel at Carers Trust South East Wales on 01656 336969 or email helen.davey-thiel@ctsew.org.uk