Published on Wednesday 20 November 2024
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is joining forces with local organisations and partners to support a national campaign to help recognise and defend the rights of unpaid carers.
Carers Rights Day, organised by national charity Carers UK, takes place on Thursday 21 November this year.
The campaign aims to inform unpaid carers, individuals who voluntarily provide essential care and support for a friend or family member, of their rights.
This may include entitlements to additional financial support, workplace flexibility, or health services – such as free NHS health checks, flu and Covid-19 vaccines.
It also advocates that unpaid carers balance their care responsibilities with their own personal wellbeing and looks to underscore the significance of all carers across our communities.
This year, the council is working with local Premier League football club AFC Bournemouth to host a Carers Rights Day event, providing unpaid carers with an opportunity to seek practical support and advice from professional council and partner teams.
Anyone providing unpaid care services is welcomed at the event, which will take place at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth BH7 7AF, on Thursday 21 November from 2pm – 4pm.
Organisations in attendance include BCP Council’s Direct Payments; Service Improvement; LifeLine; Trading Standards; and Preparing for Adulthood teams, as well as organisations including Prama Life; Leonardo Trust; Forward Carers; Bournemouth Housing and Churches Association (BHCA); Age UK; Community Action Network (CAN); Dorset Fire and Rescue; Utility Warehouse; and the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP).
Councillor David Brown, Portfolio Holder for Heath and Wellbeing at BCP Council, said:
“Carers Rights Day is an opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate all carers in our communities, including those who provide care voluntarily.
“Carers play an essential role in our society, so it’s important to ensure they receive the support they need and are aware of any benefits they might be entitled to.
“I would like to thank AFC Bournemouth for their support in hosting this event, and encourage anyone providing unpaid care services to attend.
“This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable support and advice from council and partner organisations.”
Hannah Powis, Head of EDI and Engagement at AFC Bournemouth, said:
“We are delighted to be working closely with BCP Council to host their Carers Rights Day at Vitality Stadium. We recognise the huge role that carers play within our local community and commend their ongoing commitment to caring for those they support.
“We applaud BCP Council for organising an event which will provide much needed support to carers and are proud to be working with them to bring this event to our local community.”
BCP Council will be sharing more information around Carers Rights Day and associated events across its social media channels.