Carers encouraged to claim financial help
Released: 27 November 2007
Hundreds of carers in Wolverhampton could be missing out on their share of millions of pounds in benefits which go unclaimed every year.
That’s the message from Wolverhampton City Council’s Carer Support Team, who will be raising awareness of people’s rights and entitlements at an event next month.
Staff will be manning a stand in the Mander Centre between Tesco and T J Hughes from 10am to 3pm on Carers Rights Day, Friday 7 December, providing carers with advice and information about the help that is available to them.
And they hope to meet some of the hundreds, if not thousands, of 'hidden carers' in Wolverhampton - people who are performing the role of a carer without realising it - to show them what support they could be getting.
Brenda Stafford, acting team manager, said: “If, on a regular basis and without payment, you look after someone - a relative, friend or neighbour - who cannot care for themselves, then you are a carer.
“We are here to help and support you as you carry out that vital role.”
Estimates suggest that around £660m worth of benefits go unclaimed each and every year.
Missing out on a year of the Carer's Allowance benefit alone means carers could miss out on payments totalling around £2,500 a year.
Brenda added: “Every year, more than two million people become carers for the first time and they need clear information about their entitlements - we will be using Carers Rights Day to give that information out.
“People will also be able to find out about support groups, emotional support, grants and our carer’s emergency card, while we will also be able to point them in the direction of other services.”
The Carer Support Team will also be holding a Carer Forum at the Arena Theatre on Thursday 6 December, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, which will give carers the chance to find out how the new Mental Capacity Act could affect them. Experts will be on hand to answer questions.
To book a place for this event, or to find out more about the Carer Support Team, visit their offices on Queen Street, Wolverhampton, e-mail carer.support@Wolverhampton.gov.uk or call 01902 553409.
Meanwhile, the team is organising free training sessions for carers throughout Wolverhampton.
Brenda said: “Training has included first-aid, epilepsy awareness, relaxation techniques and dementia awareness. These have been very popular and the carers have found them invaluable.
“We are planning to organise further training in the New Year.”
The Carer Support Team will have an information stand at West Park Hospital from Friday 14 December, to Monday 17 December, where carers can help themselves to information about the service.
Issued by the press office.