12,000 unpaid carers

North Antrim DUP Assmeblyman Paul Frew has called for more support to help carers in our society.

He made the appeal as part of Carers NI’s campaign which urges people caring for ill or disabled loved ones to find out about the financial and practical support they are entitled to.

There are 12,03 carers in the North Antrim Constituency and around 214,000 unpaid carers in Northern Ireland who provide care and support to family, friends and neighbours, saving the country an estimated £4.4 billion each year.

Mr. Frew said: “Carers are fulfilling a vital role in our society, but too often they go without the support they need because they don’t know about the support available. We must all play a role in helping to identify and support people who are looking after ill, frail or disabled loved ones and making sure they get the right information and advice about the support they are entitled to as early as possible.”

Carers NI Director Helen Ferguson said: “Caring can be tough and finding out about what support is available can feel like finding your way through a maze of information. Without help and assistance carers can find themselves facing financial hardship, health problems, emotional stress and relationship breakdown.”

Carers can download a guide to carers’ rights and benefits called Looking after someone from Carers NI at www.carersni.org