THE boss of a Shipley charity says there still needs to be a greater understanding and recognition of carers, one year after the Government brought in an Act to boost their rights.

Chris Whiley, director of Carers’ Resource, the integrated carers’ service for Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, said the findings of a one-year-on review of the 2015 Care Act should now be used as a tool to further promote and fight for carers’ rights.

She was speaking after Carers Trust, the UK’s national charity for unpaid carers, asked carers if the introduction of the Care Act had impacted on support they received. In some instances, the review revealed carers who were unaware of the act and its implications on them.

Mrs Whiley said: “Many carers still do not recognise themselves as a carer so they’re not even aware that support is out there, never mind the fact they’re entitled to anything. Yet one in five of us will be a carer at some point in our lives.

“When we meet carers and ask them ‘how are you?’ they can immediately start telling you about the person they look after, how they are, and not themselves. This is what has to change. Everyone needs to become more aware of what a carer is, the fact they have their own set of needs – and that places like Carers’ Resource are here to help them as an individual to have their own quality of life.”

Carers’ Resource organised events across the district during Carers Week in June to help raise awareness about the needs of carers.

“By bringing the subject into the public arena more and more we can help raise the profile of carers and make sure more carers are given the support they need to carry out their role with confidence,” said Mrs Whiley.

To find out more about Carers’ Resource call its office in St Paul’s Road, Shipley, on 01274 449660 or visit carersresource.org.

The charity helps about 12,500 unpaid carers through one-to-one support, casework and support groups.