The charter will be launched at an event organised by the Carers’ Outreach Service as part of the Carers Rights Day, at Y Ganolfan, Porthmadog on Friday, 2 December, 1-4pm.

Without carers many people who need full-time care because of ill-health or after suffering an injury would not be able to live in their own homes, and the burden on public services would be immense.

The aim of the charter is to secure the rights of carers to lead a normal, healthy and happy lives – something that most people take for granted. This includes:

• Access to information about their rights and services they are eligible for;
• To be treated with respect;
• The right to free time, away from their responsibilities as carers;
• To be able to put their own needs first when if comes to their own health and wellbeing;
• To be able to get help with their responsibilities as a carer at short notice or in an emergency.

Councillor Wyn Williams, Gwynedd Council’s portfolio leader for Social Services, champions the rights of carers. He said: “Most of us at some point will be caring for a friend or member of the family who is unable to look after themselves because of a health condition or injury.

“Some carers may feel they don’t lead a life that the majority of us take for granted – where they can spend time following their own careers and interests or catching up with family and friends, without having to worry about whoever it is they care for.

“That’s why the Gwynedd Carers Partnership has been working hard to draw up this charter and I am delighted that it’s being launched.

“Caring roles vary greatly and all too often we hear people say that what they are doing is nothing special – they don’t recognise themselves as carers so don’t know about their rights and the services which are available to them.

“The aim of events such as the Carers Rights Day is to draw attention to the amazing work that carers do and to let them know that there are organisations out there for them to lean on.”

The Carers Rights Day event will be an opportunity for carers to find out about their entitlements and services available to them. This year’s theme is Money Matters and the focus will be on benefits and pensions. There will also be entertainment and a craftwork sale.

For more information about carers’ rights and the services available, contact Gwynedd Social Services Advice and Assessment team 01286 682888.