Surrey Charity Holds Carer Information Fairs to Help Unpaid Carers

Published on: 9 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 9 Nov, 2024

By Stella Kuchanny

Nearly all of us will need to either provide or receive care at some point in their lives, so ensuring carers have access to the support they need is crucial.

To address this, Action for Carers Surrey is organising a series of Carer Information Fairs across the county, running from Monday, November 18, to Saturday, November 23, to coincide with Carers’ Rights Day on Thursday, November 21. These events are designed to help unpaid carers understand and access their rights, while also offering practical advice and connecting them with local services.

There are 115,000 unpaid carers in Surrey, equivalent to 10 per cent of the county’s population of 1.2 million. These carers, many of whom are family members or friends, provide essential care without pay, often sacrificing their own time, health, and well-being.

Supporting Surrey’s Unpaid Carers

Nearly all of us will give or receive care at some stage in our lives.

Unpaid carers play a vital role in society, yet many are unaware of the rights and support available to them. Action for Carers Surrey is working to bridge this gap by organising ten fairs in towns across the county, including Guildford, Cranleigh, Woking, and Godalming. These drop-in events, held from 11am to 2pm, will provide carers with access to services and expert advice on financial support, health services, and legal rights.

Rachel Brennan, Manager of the Adult Carers Service at Action for Carers Surrey, said: “Carers’ Rights Day highlights the importance of all carers, at whatever stage of their caring journey, knowing and understanding their rights. Unpaid carers have a variety of rights including the right to be identified as a carer, the right to a Carer’s Assessment, the right to request flexible working, and (a new right in 2024) the right to a week’s time off work for caring.”

She added: “Carers do a huge amount and are often under great pressures—affecting their own health and wellbeing. Knowing their rights and being able to access the support they’re entitled to is so important. Attending our Carers Information Fairs will help carers understand what’s available.”

The Importance of Carers’ Rights Day

Carers’ Rights Day is an annual national event aimed at raising awareness of the rights of unpaid carers. As more services, including healthcare and benefits, move online, it becomes even more critical for carers to have access to the right information and support. The fairs organised by Action for Carers are designed to provide much-needed advice and guidance to unpaid carers who may not know where to start.

One local resident, Angela, cares for her daughter with special needs and shared her experience:
“It was quite some time before I accepted the label ‘Carer’. Whilst I do ‘care’ for my daughter, I am, and will always be, her mum. Being an unpaid carer is rewarding but challenging. Organisations like Action for Carers make a real difference by providing support to carers like me.”

Unpaid Carer Rosie Shares Personal Perspective

To provide a personal perspective on the experiences of unpaid carers, we have published an interview with a carer named Rosie, who shared her outlook, stating: “I see my partner as a person, not a disabled person.” Her perspective underscores the emotional depth and commitment that carers bring to their roles, recognising their loved ones beyond their disabilities.

Please listen to her moving story…

Fairs Across Surrey

Each fair will feature representatives from various services, providing advice on a range of issues that affect unpaid carers. In Guildford, the fair will be held at Guildford Library, with other locations including Cranleigh Arts Centre and Woking Library. Carers across Surrey are encouraged to attend and learn more about the support available to them.

Action for Carers is urging local residents to spread the word about these events. For those who cannot attend, the charity’s website offers a wealth of resources and information.

Action for Carers Surrey Website

How to Get Help

Unpaid carers often carry significant responsibilities and these fairs provide a crucial opportunity to access the support they need. For more information, including full details on the dates and venues of the Carer Information Fairs, visit https://www.actionforcarers.org.uk/.

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