Middleton: Find out about your rights

The campaign is led by Carers NI, who are urging people caring for those who are ill or disabled to find out about the financial and practical support they are entitled to.

“Each year over 3,500 people take up a caring role in Londonderry yet research shows that 42 per cent of carers miss out on the financial support available,” said Mr Middleton.

“Carers make a huge contribution to our society, yet too often go without the support they need because they simply don’t know what support is available. We must all play a role in helping to identify and support people who are looking after ill, frail or disabled loved ones.”

“We need to make sure they get the right information and advice about the support they are entitled to as early as possible,” he said.

Carers NI’s Campaigns and Communication Officer John McCormick said: “Caring will touch all of our lives at some point. Every year, millions of people begin caring for a disabled, older or seriously-ill loved one, yet worryingly, carers tell us that it can be really difficult to get the help and advice they need.

“We know getting the right information at the right time can make a big difference to carers lives. Carers Rights Day is about ensuring that carers don’t miss out on the financial, practical and emotional support they are entitled to, as well as recognising carers’ huge contribution to our society.”

Carers can get a free copy of the Northern Ireland guide to carers’ rights and benefits, called Looking after someone and the three new factsheets: ‘Assessments’, ‘Coming out of Hospital’ and ‘Taking a Break’ by visiting www.carersni.org or calling Carers NI on 02890 439843.