THE Kendal-based charity Carer Support South Lakes is taking part in today's Carers Rights Day today to help thousands of people caring for loved ones to access the help they need.

From counselling to carer breaks and putting in place a Lasting Power of Attorney, the charity says people across Cumbria could be missing out on the support they are entitled to.

Carer Support South Lakes is joining hundreds of other organisations on Carers Rights Day (Thursday, November 21, 2019) to raise awareness of people's rights as carers, and the help they can seek.

The charity, based at Stricklandgate House, helps around 1,250 unpaid carers, aged between six and 98-years-old. However, they say that is just a fraction of the number of people who could qualify for support. Across Cumbria there are thought to be at least 56,000 people in caring roles, with approximately 12,000 in South Lakeland. There are five carer support charities in Cumbria.

Gavin Shore, from Carer Support South Lakes, said: “Under the Care Act, the local authority has a responsibility to identify and support carers, and we can help with the free assessment. That looks at the impact of the role, how needs can be met and gives carers a voice. For young carers and adults caring for disabled children they are assessed under the Children and Families Act.

“We know caring for someone else is a trying, emotionally demanding, selfless act which we always respect and support. It’s a very difficult role no matter how devoted people are to those they are caring for.

“We expect many carers have little idea of their statutory rights or the resources available. We are here to ensure carers get the support they are entitled to and need; we do this by working with the local authority or other community partners."

Carer Support South Lakes helps carers in many different ways. For example, a young professional who has had to put her career on hold to look after her two brothers is getting advice on how they could be more independent. She is also being helped with funding and being supported to cope with her new situation. The charity organises group activities and breaks for a young teen carer who looks after her mum, and it found funding for a new bike for a carer whose "me time" is cycling.

Mike Seaton, chief executive officer, said: “Whatever your age, no matter how long you have been a carer, it’s important you understand your rights and access support as soon as you need it.

“We can help with a carer assessment, counselling, carer breaks, group and one-to-one support as well as planning for an emergency and putting in place a Lasting Power of Attorney. We are here so no one feels alone with their caring responsibilities."

Carers UK, the organisers behind the annual awareness day, says that every day 6,000 people in the United Kingdom become carers. They say carers may find themselves talking to health and social care providers; negotiating with employers to juggle work with caring; dealing with the intricacies of the benefits system and considering how to fund future care costs. Carers UK says this can feel overwhelming, bewildering and stressful.

Anyone in a caring role in South Lakeland can get help by contacting Carer Support South Lakes via the website carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk; calling 01539-815970 or visiting the pop-up shop in Wainwright’s Yard in Kendal between Wednesday, December 4 and Friday, December 20, 2019.