Tameside carers learn their rights at Carers Rights Day event

Carers from across Tameside gathered on Thursday morning to learn about their rights, access practical advice and connect with local support services as part of Carers Rights Day.

Every day, an estimated 12,000 people in the UK become unpaid carers, often without realising they have taken on the role or knowing what support they are entitled to. To help address this, Tameside Carers Centre hosted an open event from 10am to noon, welcoming carers to speak directly with a wide range of organisations.

Visitors had the opportunity to meet representatives from: Epseminars (free legal advice), Tameside Adult Safeguarding Board, Community Response Service (telecare), Tameside Welfare Rights (benefits information), Age UK, Scope (energy advice and winter support), Groundworks, Alzheimer’s Society, Stroke Association, Anthony Seddon Fund, Being There (life-limiting illness support), Talking Therapies and Message in a Bottle.

Executive Member for Adult Social Care Cllr John Taylor, who attended the event, highlighted the essential role carers play and the importance of ensuring they know where to turn for help.

“Knowing your rights as a carer is so important. These events show carers what support they’re entitled to. Our team is here to help, and speaking to someone face-to-face can make a real difference.”

Cllr Taylor stressed that many carers do not recognise their own role and therefore miss out on financial support, legal advice and respite opportunities.

“A lot of people don’t know they’re carers. We want them to come here so we can help, whether it’s with legal issues, benefits or just finding someone to talk to. Supporting carers is essential, because if the carer struggles, the person they care for struggles too.”

The Anthony Seddon Fund, a well-known Ashton-based mental health charity, was on hand to inform carers about its wide range of services.

Community Engagement Coordinator Jason Bromley said the event offered a vital chance to connect with families who may be dealing with social isolation or emotional strain.

“People of all ages across Tameside can struggle with isolation. At the Anthony Seddon Fund we provide high-level crisis support, but also a wide range of low-level social and creative activities, from guitar jamming sessions and arts and crafts to creative writing groups and support for those dealing with grief and loss. Today has been an ideal opportunity to make sure carers know who we are and what we do.”

The charity’s daily drop-in sessions, held Monday to Friday from 1pm to 3pm, provide a welcoming, pressure-free space for anyone affected by mental health challenges.

One of the most talked-about stalls was the Message in a Bottle stand, run by Terry Harding from Lions Clubs International.

Although Tameside no longer has its own Lions Club, Harding, who represents the Romiley and Marple Lions, works closely with local carers and professionals to distribute the free kits.

The scheme is simple but potentially lifesaving. Each kit includes a small plastic bottle containing a form with vital information: medication, allergies, medical conditions, GP details and emergency contacts. A green sticker placed inside the home alerts emergency responders to look for the bottle, usually kept in the fridge.

“If the emergency services are called and someone can’t communicate, the crew can immediately find everything they need to know,” Harding explained. “I’ve been in that situation myself with my late wife, your mind goes blank. Having the information ready is a huge help.”

Harding said demand from carers in Tameside has grown significantly, with the Carers Centre regularly requesting kits for those they support.

“It’s so easy, completely free, and could save a life. If anyone needs a kit, they can contact me directly or through the Carers Centre.”

The Tameside Carers Centre is based at: The People Place, Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6BH

More information and drop-in times can be found at: www.tameside.gov.uk/carerscentre