Make Carers More Aware

1.52.27pm GMT Thu 7th Dec 2006

Jenny Randerson AM for Cardiff Central added her support to a national campaign on Friday 8th December 2006 to ensure that carers are aware of their rights and entitlements. The campaign, run by Carers UK seeks to increase the take-up of benefits and raise awareness of carers' rights and the support they may be able to get.

Jenny said "It is vital that carers claim the benefits to which they are entitled. We know that £740 million worth of carers' benefits go unclaimed each year and this could be providing vital income. People who provide care are much more likely to become ill than non-carers and often struggle to combine work and care.

"It's a real concern that carers are not getting the benefits to which they are entitled. Carers fulfil a vital role in society that we could not cope without. It is imperative that they are given all the help that it is possible to give them. Carers should not have to suffer or live in poverty because of their selfless nature."

Carers can order a free booklet called 'Looking after Someone: a guide to carers' rights and benefits' from Carers UK by visiting www.carerswales.org or calling the free phone hotline on 0808 808 7777.

Ends/diwedd

Contact:

Andrew Sherwood,

Phone/Ffôn: 029 20898324

Fax/Ffacs: 029 20898356

Email/E-Bost: andrew.sherwood@wales.gov.uk

Correspondence to: The National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, CF99 1NA