Lyn Brown MP urges Newham carers to make sure they get the benefits they are entitled to.

Carers in Newham are part of a network of six million unpaid carers in the UK, who provide vital care and support to family, friends and neighbours.  This support is worth an estimated £87billion a year.  But almost three quarters of carers are financially worse-off as a result of caring, with many living on very low incomes. 

Carers Rights Day, run by Carers UK, takes place on 4^th December 2009 and aims to raise awareness of their rights and increase the take-up of benefits, particularly to the right to a state pension.  As carers may be unable to build up their NI contributions, they may not receive an adequate state pension in retirement.  All carers need to take professional advice to ensure they are provided for.

Without our army of carers, the NHS and our social care system might not be able to cope.  Carers Rights Day aims to raise awareness of the help available to carers and encourage them to take steps to ensure that they protect their benefits and state pensions.

Lyn Brown MP said,

“I’m pleased to be supporting Carers Rights Day this year.  Carers play a vital role in our community and I want make sure that all Newham carers receive the help and support that they are entitled to. 

A carer could be eligible for the Carers Allowance, a council tax discount, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit and this could make all the difference to their quality of life.  It’s also vital that carers take advice to protect their state pensions to ensure a comfortable retirement. 

Carers give so much to our society and we must ensure they receive the support they are entitled to and deserve.

I urge all carers to contact Adviceline on 0808 808 7777 or visit www.carersuk.org to receive a free advice booklet.  Newham Carers Network can be contacted on 0208 519 0800 or info@newhamcarers.org.uk. 

My office can also help carers access these vital benefits.”