At the time of writing, some 22 GP surgeries, as well as St Thomas’ Hospital and other council venues in Lambeth have signed up to take part in Carers Rights Day on November 28.

 The yearly event brings organisations across the UK together to help carers in their local community know their rights and find out how to get the help and support they are entitled to. The day also raises awareness of the needs of carers with the public, decision makers and professionals. With big legal changes in the Care Act 2014 coming into force in April 2015 in England it is especially important that this year’s event reaches as wide an audience as possible.

  Sally Howard, Interim Carers Hub Manager said: “Carers Hub Lambeth runs a range of services to support carers – unpaid family members, neighbours and friends – who look after someone with a disability or long term illness. We have been working with GP practices in Lambeth to identify and assist carers, to ensure they are receiving all the available help necessary.

  “As in previous years we are asking surgeries or their Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) if they would like to work with us by having a stall in the waiting area. This is an opportunity for your surgery to identify any hidden carers you may have and also, to ensure those who are already registered as carers have access to information that may be relevant to their caring roles.”

 The Carers Hub will provide and deliver the information and if required can set up the stall. All you would need to provide is the space and a table. Additionally, a member of the team can come to your surgery and discuss working together on identifying and helping carers and by developing a Practice Protocol.

 For more information contact Gordon Thompson, Outreach Co-Ordinator/Hub Administrator at  Gordon@souththamescrossroads.org or call 020 8678 5609.

 Click here for an informative selection of factsheets from Carers UK

  Karen Hooper