Carers’ Rights: Why Knowing Them Matters - and How Credu Can Help
- WCD Young Carers
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Across Wales, thousands of unpaid carers provide vital support to family, friends, and neighbours. Yet, many remain unaware of the rights and support available to them.
Carers are protected by laws such as the Social Services and Wellbeing Act and the Equality Act, which guarantee unpaid leave, flexible working, protection from discrimination, and access to health services. Understanding these rights is crucial - not only for carers’ wellbeing, but also for their ability to continue caring.
Carers' rights include:
The right to well-being
Your local authority, local health board and Welsh Ministers must promote the well-being of people who need care and support, and carers who need support.
The right to have information, advice and assistance
Your local authority must provide information, advice and assistance about support services so you can find and access them.
The right to an assessment if your needs cannot be met by information and advice
Your local authority must carry out a carers’ needs assessment for carers, who may need support. This assessment is to find out what help you need. Your right to an assessment is not affected by how much money you have, but you may be asked to contribute to the cost of your support.
The right to have your voice heard and have control over decisions about your support.
During your assessment your local authority must ask you what matters to you as a carer, or a young carer. You must be involved in all decisions about your support. This will include whether the LA arranges your care or you arrange it using a direct payment. If you’d like, you can choose to have a friend or family member by your side to help you. Some local authorities may combine a carers’ needs assessment with an assessment for the person being cared for. This can only be done if you give your consent.
The right to advocacy
If you are unable to fully take part in discussions yourself, an advocate is someone who can help make your voice heard when decisions are made about your support. An independent advocate must be arranged if you are unable to speak up for yourself or do not have someone to support you to express your views, wishes and feelings
The right to access work and education
Every child has the right to:
Relax and play (Article 31)
Freedom of expression (Article 13)
Be safe from violence (Article 19)
An education (Article 28)
Protection of identity (Article 8)
Sufficient standard of living (Article 27)
Know their rights (Article 42)
Health and health services (Article 24)
“Knowing your rights empowers you to get the support you deserve,” says Eve from the Raising Awareness Team in Credu, the local carers’ support organisation. “We’re here to help carers understand what they’re entitled to, and to make sure no one feels alone in their caring role.”
The Welsh Government Charter for Unpaid Carers is a great document which outlines unpaid carers' rights. You can read and download it here:
.
Credu offers confidential advice, information sessions, wellbeing reflective
conversations, and advocacy for carers of all ages. Their outreach workers listen, guide, and help carers navigate complex systems - whether it’s signposting to support, linking to activities or simply finding a friendly ear.
CEO Becky Evans commented: “Carers are the backbone of our communities. By knowing your rights, you can protect your own wellbeing, get support for yourself and your family which will support you to live your own life alongside the brilliant job you are already doing”.
Credu supports Carers of all ages in Powys and Ceredigion and Young Carers in Wrexham, Conwy and Denbighshire.
Carers can contact Credu by phone (03330 143377), email (carers@credu.cymru), or visit their website (www.credu.cymru) for support and information.
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