ATTENTION has been focused on Carers’ rights as part of a national week focused on the role they play.
Events have been taking place across Dumfries and Galloway as part of Carers Week, which runs from June 11 to June 17.
Having manned a stall in the massive atrium of the new Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, commissioning officer Larel Currie said: “We’ve been delighted to help promote the rights of Carers, as introduced in the new Carers (Scotland) Act which came into effect in May.
“The Act is aimed at supporting Carers to continue in their caring role, giving Carers a stronger voice, and helping to ensure their own health and wellbeing.
“During the course of the week we’ve been encountering unpaid Carers who weren’t aware of the support available to them, and we’ve been able to direct them towards more information – by accessing the Act, the Charter, or by seeking one-to-one contact with a representative of the Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre.”
As required by section 36 of the Carers (Scotland) Act, the Scottish Ministers have prepared this Carers’ Charter which sets out the rights of carers in or under the Act.
The Act also requires local authorities to have a local information and advice service for Carers.
These services must provide information and advice about a number of things relevant to carers, including the Carers’ rights set out in the Carers’ Charter.
Lesley Bryce is a Carer herself, as well as a member of the Integration Joint Board.
Coming along to DGRI to help man the stall, Lesley said: “The impact of caring on health and well-being should not be underestimated.
“Many Carers are feeling too stressed, too often. This Carers Week is about building communities that support Carers across Dumfries and Galloway to stay healthy and connected.
“It is great to see activities, events and information sessions for Carers taking place all week.”
To view the Carers Charter, visit http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0053/00533199.pdf
Anyone with questions regarding changes resulting from the Act can contact Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre, which serves the entire region with offices in Dumfries, Castle Douglas and Newton Stewart. Telephone 01387 248600.
