As an unpaid carer, you have:
- the right to self-determine your willingness and ability to care - this includes support to identify what care you are willing and able to provide
- the right for your views to be considered by social care when organising provision for the cared-for person
- the right to a carer's assessment to identify what you want to do with your own life, as well as measuring the impact of the caring role on your wellbeing
- a right for your eligible needs to be met
- the right to ask for flexible working
- the right to engage in employment, education, training and leisure
- other rights as defined by Civil Rights, Human Rights Legislation and the Equalities Bill
Support from Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service
Our Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service is delivered on our behalf by Derbyshire Carers Association.
To get help, advice, and support, email info@derbyshirecarers.co.uk or phone them on telephone: 01773 833 833.
Independent advocacy
Under the Care Act, carers are entitled to advocacy support. This means getting support from an independent person to help you put forward your views and wishes to make sure your voice is heard.
You can use an advocate to help you when dealing with health and social care staff, or getting access to local services, either for yourself or the person you care for.
If you're finding it hard making your voice heard, you can get support from the Independent Community Advocacy Service provided by Cloverleaf Advocacy telephone: 01924 454875 or email referrrals@cloverleaf-advocacy.co.uk
Carers UK have also developed a guide to self advocacy called Being Heard which has lots of tips on how to get your point across and communicate effectively.
Carers in employment
It's up to you as a carer whether you tell your employer about your caring responsibilities. If you do, it'll help them understand the pressures you're under and you'll be able to access any support they provide.
Some companies have carers policies or workplace carers support groups.
The help you need could be very simple and easy to arrange such as access to a private room to make calls.
There are also statutory rights you're entitled to, and you're protected from discrimination – employers cannot treat you less favourably because of your caring role.
Working carers also have the right to one week's unpaid leave per year, if providing or arranging care for someone with a long-term care need. Carers also have the ability to request flexible working from the moment they start their employment.
See our info about carers in the workplace.
Making a complaint
If you're not satisfied about a standard of service, you should complain to the organisation involved.
Carers UK has some good advice about making a complaint.
You can make a complaint for someone else, but you must have their permission or a right to act on their behalf.
If you're complaining about a private care provider but the service is funded or arranged by our adult care department, then we have a duty to investigate your complaint.
If your complaint is about both adult care and the NHS, you only have to make one complaint. The NHS and adult care will work together to produce a joint response.