Winchester & Andover Carer Centre Site updated 19 November 2008

CARERS RIGHTS DAY 2008 KNOW YOUR RIGHTS The ninth annual Carers Rights Day, a national awareness day organised by Carers UK, will be held on 5 December 2008. The focus of this year's Carers Rights Day is on Making the Most of Your Money.  Groups around the country will be holding events to make sure that carers are getting the support and benefits they deserve and managing their money well. There are nearly 6 million carers in the UK and 2.3 million people become carers every year. Almost three quarters of carers suffer financially as a result of caring. Many carers simply do not realise that they are entitled to any help. Others miss out because they struggle to understand complex and badly explained benefits forms and information. It is vital that carers get the information, or get assessed, to claim the benefits that are rightfully theirs because: - A shocking £740m carers benefits are not claimed each year, while carers across the country cut back on essentials like food, clothes and heating, to make ends meet. -  Carers may be missing out on a range of other discounts and benefits like Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. -  Claiming the Carer's Allowance can help protect basic state pension rights for carers under 65.  To celebrate Carers Rights Day the Winchester & Andover Carer Centre will be holding events in both Andover and Winchester.  In Andover there will be an Information Event on 5th December between the times of 10am and 1pm where carers will be able to get advice from various organisations including: Andover Pension Service, Citizens' Advice Bureau, Enham – Direct Payments advice,  Testway Telecare, Totally Active and Test Valley Borough Council.  This is being held at The Bridge in Bridge Street in Andover.  There will be coffee and pastries so please come along for information, advice or just a friendly chat. In Winchester on 5th December there will also be an Information Event at The Winchester Centre, 68 St George's Street, Winchester between the times of 10am and 3pm.  Amongst the organisations represented there will be The Pension Service, Citizens' Advice Bureau, PALS and Hampshire County Council Information Service.  There will also be an informal buffet Christmas lunch. For further information on either of the above events, please call  Andover on 01264 835246 or Winchester on 01962 842034. Carers News Winter 2008/9 is now available. Contact us for your free copy.   Winchester and Andover Carer Centre, 68 St George's Street, WINCHESTER  SO23 8AH Limited company registered in England and Wales Registered Company Number 2955846   Registered Charity Number 1040518