A campaign to raise awareness of carers' rights has been launched in Great Dunmow.

Carers' Rights Day took place on November 23, and a campaign bus visited the town on the day to help spread the word.

There are an estimated 124,000 unpaid carers in Essex, and Essex County Council's campaign aims to highlight their rights at home and in the workplace.

Unpaid carers look after, help and support someone who would not be able to manage without their help, and this may be for between 10 and 50 hours per week.

Cllr John Spence, cabinet member for health, adult social care and ICS integration, said: "Unpaid carers carry out an invaluable role.

"Many see it as their responsibility to support their loved ones, friends and neighbours but don’t realise there is information, guidance and support available for them, and laws that protect them.

"We want to reach out to all unpaid carers. The council understands their role can be very challenging, but carers should never be in a position where their life, dignity or self-respect are put at risk, so it’s vital they know their rights."

The council's touring double-decker bus, which visited Chequers Lane Car Park in Dunmow, provided an information service for residents.

The bus's tour started on November 22 at County Hall in Chelmsford and headed through Essex towns before finishing in Brentwood on November 24.

To inform unpaid carers about their rights, the council has also launched an information film which can be viewed at https://www.essex.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/support-carers, along with other information about available support.

READ MORE

Deborah Tranter, who lives in Clacton and is an unpaid carer for her father in South Woodham Ferrers, said: "Working full time and being a carer can be challenging, I stay over at my father’s house three nights a week to care for him.

"It’s very tiring, but my employer is very understanding. They are flexible with working hours; if I have to take time off in the afternoon, I can then make it up in the evening.

"I can also work remotely. If there’s an emergency, I’m able to go and help."