CARERS in Halton shouldn't feel alone - they make up 11% of the population!
And, with more than 3,500 people providing more than 50 hours of care for another person each week in Runcorn and Widnes, Halton's council is keen to make sure each and every one receives the benefits they are entitled to.
Tomorrow is Carers Rights Day - designed to raise awareness both locally and nationally of the support which exists to help carers with the difficult job they face each day.
Teams will be out and about spreading the message that there is help out there and letting people know what they might be entitled to, as well as how to get it.
Halton's Benefits Express Team and Carers Development team are hoping to make people more aware of the financial benefits on offer to carers and their families, to encourage carers to access their rights and make the public more aware of the needs of carers in their community.
The council has joined up with Age Concern for the day to help spread their message, and the Benefits Express Bus will be parked in Widnes Town Centre from 10am-noon, then at the Asda superstore from 1.30-3.30pm.
A Carer Development Officer will also be available to advise carers of their rights and give out Carers Information Packs, alongside Age Concern staff who can help out with information about local services.
Cllr Pat Tyrrell, executive board member for health and social care, said: 'A vast majority of people who are carers do not realise that they are entitled to benefits and support.
'This event is designed to let people know that there are areas of support out there and that the council is willing to advise and offer support.'
