Carers Rights Day aims to support carers by ensuring they have the information and advice they need to claim benefits, access practical support and find out how technology can help make their lives a little easier.

This year’s theme is ‘Looking after someone? Know your rights’. It focuses on making carers aware of their rights; letting them know where to get help and support, and raising awareness of carers’ needs.

It’s estimated that there are around 20,000 carers in York. Many people don’t think of themselves as a carer, but if you regularly look after someone close to you because they are frail, have a physical or mental illness, addiction or disability, whether or not you live with them, then support is available.

Many carers care for more than one person, or have child care responsibilities on top of their caring role. While caring can be fulfilling and rewarding, it also can place enormous stress on individuals, affecting their physical and mental health and wellbeing and often their finances. People providing high levels of care are twice as likely to be permanently sick or disabled.

A range of support and advice is available for carers in York, including:

York Carers Centre works with carers of all ages and can put carers in touch with other organisations and forums that offer support.

City of York Council may be able to help support the person being cared for. The council can help with practical support, such as adaptations and equipment, travel passes, parking badges and telecare. They also carry out Carers Assessments of Need.

If you are a carer it’s important to tell your GP. The information will be recorded on your notes and you may be offered extra support.

For more information on Carers Rights Day visit www.carersuk.org/, or for more information on York Carers’ Centre visit http://www.yorkcarerscentre.co.uk/ or call (01904) 715490, or visit City of York Council’s website – http://www.york.gov.uk/ – and search for ‘carers’.