We’re ensuring unpaid carers are supported, heard and know their rights this Carers Rights Day and beyond

It is important people who provide unpaid care or support to someone close to them due to illness, a disability, addiction or other care need, know their rights, wherever they are in their caring journey. This Carers Rights Day (Thursday 19th November 2026) and beyond, we want to help raise awareness about how we at Carers in Hertfordshire and other services are there to ensure carers are identified, informed, supported and heard.

The theme of the day is ‘Know your Rights, Use your Rights’ as being aware of the support you are entitled to when you have caring responsibilities can help you feel confident to ask for what you need and challenge things when your rights are not being met – whether that be in the workplace or education, in accessing health or social care, or when interacting with other professionals or at home.

One way we support carers is by organising workshops and events to enable you to meet other carers and have a break from caring, to pick up tips to help you in your caring role, or talk to people from organisations that pay for, or provide, health and community services.

This Carers Rights Day we are holding:
• A drop-in Information Event for Carers of adults with mental health challenges taking place in Ware 10am to 1pm. It is focused on the support available in a crisis, and a range of organisations that provide support for carers or people with care needs will attend to answer your queries and showcase the services they provide.

• An Online Workshop about Making the most of your Carer’s Assessment, 10am to 11am. This session will explain what a carer’s assessment is, who is eligible, and how it can help identify the support, services, and resources available to unpaid carers. We’ll explore how to prepare for an assessment, communicate your needs effectively.

• Online Employment Rights Workshop, 2pm to 3pm. A legal expert will discuss employment law that can benefit people juggling work with a caring role, such as Unpaid Carer’s Leave and Flexible Working. Sign up to this event at Employment Rights session.

There are also two online guided meditation sessions to help carers unwind.

If you are in Hertfordshire and provide unpaid care to someone or you live elsewhere and look after someone in the county, we are here for you. Contact us to find out how we can help you – email contact@carersinherts.org.uk or call 01992 58 69 69.

National charity Carers UK, which co-ordinates Carers Rights Day, has some useful information related to a range of carers’ rights. Visit www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/guides-and-tools/looking-after-someone-guide/ or get in touch by emailing advice@carersuk.org or calling 0808 808 7777 (9am – 6pm Monday to Friday).