Many people believe that if they are faced with having to care for a parent or loved one who is physically or mentally ill they will get some kind of assistance and guidance from their GP or Social Services; that they can just pick up the phone and someone will be there for them; that they will be helped by the state. To a certain extent this is true but not quite.

Many Carers find it difficult to access this assistance. Some do not even recognise themselves as Carers believing they are simply doing their duty as a parent, a partner, a son, a daughter and so sadly remain unaware that this advice is there for them. Many do not know where to start, which hoop to jump through first, which bit of red tape is applicable to them. Consequently £740 million of Carer Entitlements go unclaimed each year

National Carer's Rights Day this year is on 5^th Dec 2008 and to support this we are holding a "Monopoly Day" in Devizes Town Hall from 11.00am - 2.00pm where we are building a giant Monopoly Board on the floor to symbolize some of the issues faced by some of the 7000 Wiltshire Carers.

There will be representatives from all relevant organisations on hand offering advice and guidance, information on free services and the event will be both fun and informative. The day could offer a potential lifeline to those caring for others and so why not drop in for a free coffee and browse the Monopoly Board if any of the following applies to you:

1. If you provide unpaid help and support to someone who depends on you due to their age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability even for short periods of times

2. If you employ someone from the above category or work with someone either as a colleague, client or patient

3. If there is a possibility that you or someone you know may become a Carer in the future [ It is estimated there will be 13 million in the next decade]

It is vital that, even those who are not Carers are aware of the issues faced in order to campaign for the changes that make a difference to Carers and influence decision makers. Carers need to feel valued and to do this we need to transform the understanding of Caring.

Please come along and show your support.

For more information please call Debbie on 01672 564265 or email Debbie@kennetcarers.org.uk