Unpaid carers were given a big ‘thank you’ along with their free flu and Covid-19 vaccinations at events on Carers Rights Day 2021.
The events in Bradford and Keighley, on Thursday November 25, offered the chance for unpaid carers to get their vaccines, and information and advice about their rights, along with ‘thank you’ cards, cake and drinks.
Carers’ Resource, Bradford Council, and Act as One Bradford District and Craven, joined up to run the sessions together to highlight the rights of unpaid carers.
Carers were invited to attend the Carers’ Resource office in Shipley, Keighley Markazi Jamia Mosque, or The Broadway in Bradford, to receive their jabs and chat to Carers’ Resource staff.
Chris Whiley, CEO of Carers’ Resource, said: “We wanted to thank all unpaid carers for everything they have done during these difficult times. People who are looking after their family or friends work incredibly hard and it’s important that they are recognised and appreciated.
“Many people who are looking after family or friends don’t see themselves as carers and may not realise that they have rights.
“These Carers Rights Day events were the chance for people to find out more about what a carer is, and what their rights are.”
A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. This includes parent carers, who are caring for a child with additional support needs, whether they have been diagnosed or not.
Helen Hirst, Chief Officer for NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “On behalf of our Act as One health and care partnership for Bradford District and Craven, I’d like to say thank you to all our unpaid carers who do a tremendous job all year round and are continuing to do so despite the impact of coronavirus.
“I’d also like to say thank you to those who came to our events and got vaccinated against the flu, as part of our collective effort to protect our most vulnerable.”
Therese Patten, Chief Executive for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As a chief executive of an NHS trust that provides help to people in their own homes, we see the big impact unpaid carers have on helping our health and care services.
“Their selfless work eases the pressure on local health and social care services – we really appreciate all that you do especially as you’ve had to deal with the ongoing impact of the Covid pandemic.”
Unpaid carers are entitled to a free flu vaccine and are also entitled to a Covid-19 booster vaccine, if it is more than six months since their second dose. First and second Covid vaccines are also still available.
Although Carers Rights Day has finished this year, it is still important for anyone who is a carer to make sure they are up-to-date with their flu and Covid-19 vaccinations to keep themselves, and the person they care for, well during the winter months.
Carers also have the right to be identified as a carer. This means you can ask your GP practice to identify you as a carer on your patient record.
Other rights of carers include the right to protection from discrimination; the right to receive a Carer’s Assessment; the right to discuss flexible working options; and the right to be consulted on hospital discharge.
For more information about the support available to carers in the Bradford, Craven and Harrogate districts, go to www.carersresource.org
