Minister stands up for rights of carers

A health minister will be in Oldham next week to help thousands of Oldham carers to find out more about rights and benefits.

Bury South MP Ivan Lewis will be at the Link Centre in Union Street where people looking after sick or disabled relatives are invited to a Carers’ Rights Day.

The event on Friday, December 5, is organised by the Princess Royal Trust Oldham Carers’ Centre.

The centre is one of more than a thousand across the UK taking part in the Carers UK national awareness day.

Workshops and information sessions will be followed by a question time session from noon with Mr Lewis and representatives from Oldham Council and Oldham Primary Care Trust.

In the afternoon, from 1pm to 3pm, there will be a range of information stands with staff from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Department of Works and Pensions, Funder Finder, Instream, Jobcentre Plus, LINkS, Healthy Futures and Oldham Council’s In Control team, all on hand to give advice and information.

Confidential one-to-one benefit checks will also be available by appointment and Oldham Young Carers and the Carers’ Federation will be present.

The manager of the Princess Royal Trust Oldham Carers’ Centre, Miranda DeBlasio, said: “Anyone who looks after a sick or disabled person on an unpaid basis is a carer and may be able to get help.

“Many Oldham carers are unaware of the benefits and services available to them. Carers should contact the Princess Royal Trust Oldham Carers Centre, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, the Department for Work and Pensions, or Carers UK, who will be able to advise.

“Carers should also contact Adult and Community Services and ask for an assessment of their own needs so that they get the support they deserve.”

Contact the Princess Royal Trust Oldham Carers on 0161-770 1188 or at carers.centre@oldham.gov.uk or visit www.oldham. gov.uk/carers.