From ‘know your rights’ drop-in sessions and a cuppa and a chat, to online awareness sessions and information stands, there are events taking place across Derbyshire to mark the occasion which takes place on Thursday 20 November.
This year’s theme is Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights and is designed to raise awareness of the rights of the millions of carers in the UK, including more than 77,000 in Derbyshire.
The programme is organised by Derbyshire Carers Association, which is commissioned by us, to support the county’s carers by offering help, support and advice.
Our cabinet member for adult care Councillor Joss Barnes said:
“Carers play an invaluable role in our communities and every day thousands of people in Derbyshire dedicate their time and energy to support loved ones with physical or mental ill health, disability, addiction or frailty.
“The emotional, physical and financial toll of caring can be immense. Yet carers often feel unseen, isolated and unheard. We’re here to support those carers - to help them have a voice and ensure they have the support they need. Carers’ Rights Day is just one of the chances we have to make sure they’re seen and heard.”
Carers have the right to:
- a carer’s assessment.
- support and advice.
- unpaid leave from work.
They also have the right to be involved in decisions about their loved one’s care, to be listened to and respected.
Events taking place for carers include:
Monday 17 November
Online carers awareness training session, 11am-12.30pm
Cuppa and a chat with a carer support worker, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, NGS Macmillan Unit 10am-2pm
Community engagement drop-in, Baslow Health Centre, 9am-1pm.
Tuesday 18 November
Community engagement drop-in, the Arc leisure centre, Matlock, 9am-12.30pm
Community engagement drop-in, Ripley Leisure Centre, 1pm-3.30pm.
Thursday 20 November
Carers information stand, Florence Nightingale Hospital, Derby, 10am-2pm.
Friday 21 November
Community engagement drop-in, Ashbourne leisure centre, 10.30am-12.30pm.
Find out more, sign up for the online session or see the full list of events.
Helen Weston, CEO at Derbyshire Carers Association, said:
“Carers’ Rights Day is a vital opportunity to shine a light on the rights and recognition that unpaid carers deserve. Across Derbyshire, thousands of people quietly care for loved ones while navigating complex systems and personal challenges. At DCA, we’re proud to stand alongside carers, offering support, guidance and a chance to be heard.
“In support of this year’s campaign, we’re delivering a wide range of helpful online and face-to-face events for both carers and professionals - designed to raise awareness, share knowledge and strengthen the support available across our communities. The theme ‘Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights’ is a powerful reminder that carers are not alone, and that help is available.”
Councillor Barnes added:
“We’re incredibly grateful for the invaluable support Derbyshire carers provide for their loved ones and we’re committed to supporting them in return.
“It’s vital they know what their rights as a carer are and they can find out lots from our website and from the Derbyshire Carers Association either online or by popping along to one of the events in November.”
Unable to attend the events? Call Derbyshire Carers Association telephone: 01773 833 833 for support or find out about Carers Rights day.