Carers Rights Day 2024 - recognising your rights
At Making Space, we’re proud to support Carers Rights Day 2024 on Thursday, 21 November. This year’s theme, “Recognising Your Rights”, is about ensuring that the UK’s 5.7 million unpaid carers across the UK understand their entitlements and can access the vital support they deserve.
Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers, often unaware of the financial, practical, and emotional resources available to them. We encourage social care professionals and communities to signpost carers to expert advice as knowing their rights can make all the difference.
At Making Space, we offer a range of carer support services, from financial and welfare advice to connecting carers with peer support, local activities, and carer breaks. Our dedicated teams are here to help every step of the way.
This year’s Carers Rights Day aims to bridge that gap, helping carers recognise their rights and the support they can access, whether it be financial, practical, or emotional.
When you’re a carer, having the right information at the right time can be transformative. Navigating the often complex benefits system, funding future care, or managing health and social care services can feel overwhelming. Each of these elements is daunting on its own, but when combined, they can seem insurmountable.
Understanding your rights as a carer is empowering. It allows you to confidently request the support you need, whether that be in the workplace, in education, or in accessing essential services like healthcare and social care. Knowing your entitlements also helps you challenge decisions that may not respect your rights, making sure you’re treated fairly in every aspect of your life.
It’s not just new or ‘hidden’ carers who are unaware of the support available. Even those who have cared for many years may still be missing out on benefits, pensions, or other entitlements. That’s why Carers Rights Day is for everyone—new carers, seasoned carers, and everyone in between.
The best way to fully understand your rights is to seek expert advice. Whether you’ve just become a carer or have been supporting someone for years, it’s essential to stay informed about changes and new opportunities for support.
Where to get support and advice
Local carer organisations:
There are over 124 local carer services within the Carers Trust network, providing tailored support and advice.
Carers UK:
Their comprehensive Looking after someone guide offers valuable information on financial help, workplace rights, benefits, and practical advice. Download the latest guide for England here. Visit Carers UK
for more resources and expert advice on your rights as a carer.
Carers UK – Looking after someone guide (England)
Visit Carersuk.org for more help and advice.
Carer support at Making Space:
Making Space offers various carer support projects across the UK, providing specialised help to carers. Learn more here.
Additionally, our support workers offer advice on finances, welfare, and medication. We can also connect you with local activities, peer support, and carer breaks. Contact us at enquiries@makingspace.co.uk to learn more.
Getting the benefits you’re entitled to:
One of the most important rights for carers is ensuring you are financially supported through benefits. You could receive financial support through Carer’s Allowance, if you are eligible. To make sure you’re not missing out, it’s vital to get a proper benefit check. You can use an online Benefits Calculator to assess your eligibility:
Alternatively, you can speak to a local benefits advisor for personalised support. Find an advisor in your area using Advicelocal.
There are other ways you may be able to get help with your household finances – such as help with fuel costs, help with health costs, or by applying for certain loans or grants.
A carer’s assessment:
Everyone is entitled to a free carer’s assessment; it is a chance to discuss what services or support you need as a carer. The adult social services department of your local council provides carer’s assessments. The kind of help and support you can get include; respite, information on local carers support groups, help with caring, and any relevant equipment. Find out more at Carers UK.
Request flexible working from your employer:
All carers have the right to request flexible working, find out more at Carers UK.
Carers Rights Day 2024 is an essential reminder for carers to recognise their rights and access the support that’s out there. Whether you are new to caring or have been providing support for years, it’s never too late to check if you’re getting everything you’re entitled to. Reach out for advice, stay informed, and take charge of your rights as a carer. For more help, visit Carers UK or contact your local carers’ organisation.
Follow the campaign online using #CarersRightsDay.
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