‘Our Greenwich, Our Carers’ guide
On Carers Rights Day 2024, the Royal Borough of Greenwich announced the release of ‘Our Greenwich, Our Carers’, a comprehensive new guide designed specifically for carers in the borough. This guide was coproduced with carers and aims to provide them with resources, support, and information to help them navigate their vital roles.
Recognising the invaluable contributions of carers, the guide covers a wide range of topics, including access to services, financial support, and mental health resources. It is designed to empower carers with the knowledge they need to provide the best care possible, while also looking after their own wellbeing.
A council spokesperson said: “This year, the theme of Carers Rights Day is recognising your rights. We want all carers in Greenwich to be able to easily access information and support available in the borough, while recognising and celebrating their role. We want carers to be confident that we are listening to them about the challenges they face. This guide is a step towards ensuring that our carers feel valued and equipped with the necessary tools to thrive.”
“Every day, 12,000 people in the UK become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or a friend. Many don’t see themselves as carers, and are often unaware of their legal rights and what they’re entitled to in terms of support and benefits. Our hope is that ‘Our Greenwich, Our Carers’ will help people understand their rights, including those who may not have recognised themselves as a carer previously.”
The publication of the guide comes two years after the council launched its Joint Adult Carers Strategy, which sets out how it would work with the South East London Integrated Care System to support carers in the borough. Our commitment was based on three key points – the Care Act, the NHS’s Long-Term Plan, and the Council’s vision for Health and Adult Services.
The information guide will be available both online and in print at various community centres. If you or someone you know is a carer, please be encouraged to access the guide and share it with others who may benefit from it.
The council extends its heartfelt thanks to all collaborators involved in creating the resource, including the carers who have contributed.
Carers Partnership Board
Greenwich Carers Centre
Healthwatch Greenwich
Greenwich Mental Health Carers Peer Group
Greenwich Mental Health Carers Forum
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
Docklands Light Railway
