Carers Rights Day 2024: Recognising Your Rights

Every day, 12,000 people across the UK take on the role of an unpaid carer for a loved one, whether a partner, family member, or friend. Many of these individuals do not identify as carers, leaving them unaware of their legal rights and the support they are entitled to. This year’s theme, Recognising Your Rights, aims to empower carers with the knowledge they need to access essential services and benefits.

Understanding your rights as a carer is crucial. It enables you to confidently request the support you need and to challenge situations where your rights are not being upheld. Whether it's in the workplace, educational settings, accessing health or social care services, or even at home, knowing your rights ensures you are better equipped to advocate for yourself and your loved ones.

Here at Healthwatch Cornwall, our Carers Partnership Board is dedicated to improving the lives of carers, both paid and unpaid. This collaborative group made up of carers, service providers and stakeholders, works to amplify carers’ voices, address their concerns and influence the development of health and social care policies to better meet carers’ needs. This includes sharing and / or gathering information on carers rights.  

The next Carers Partnership Board meeting will take place in January 2025. Keep an eye on the Healthwatch Cornwall website and social media channels for updates, or email us for more information.

Carers are the backbone of our communities. On this Carers Rights Day, let’s work together to ensure they are recognised, supported, and empowered.

For more information on Carers rights visit the Carers UK website