Carers' Rights campaign

A red old double decker bus. It has branding on teh side that reads Caring for a loved one? Know your rights. It also has the website address www.essex.gov.uk/carers. A group of people are standing in front of the bus smiling. The bus is at the front of County Hall, a large building with big steps to the entrance.

It’s estimated that there are at least 124,000 unpaid carers in Essex, however this number could be far greater.

Unpaid carers look after, help or support someone who wouldn’t be able to manage everyday life without their help.

Unpaid carers should never be put in a position where their life, dignity or sense of self- respect are put at risk because of their caring role.

There are rights to make sure that this does not happen.

Watch to find out more about what these rights are.

Workforce Development Lead, Sara Sparling explains what rights carers have in the workplace.

Dr Christine Moss shares her own experience of supporting carers and talks about the importance of letting your GP know if you are a carer.

Claire Scales, a Key Worker for Essex Young Carers talks about the kinds of roles young carers play, what their rights are and what support is available to them.

Our Carers' Rights campaign aims to raise awareness of carers’ rights, especially to those who don’t identify as carers.

Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and ICS Integration, Councillor John Spence said:

“Unpaid carers carry out an invaluable role. Many see it as their responsibility to support their loved ones, friends and neighbours  but don’t realise there is information, guidance and support available for them, and laws that protect them. 

“We want to reach out to all unpaid carers. The council understands their role can be very challenging, but carers should never be in a position where their life, dignity or self-respect are put at risk, so it’s vital they know their rights.”

Carers' Rights Bus Tour

To spread the word about carers’ rights we launched a touring double decker bus in November that travelled across the county. It made a stop at each district where those that support carers were on hand to give advice and information to carers and he wider community.

The bus tour started out at County Hall In Chelmsford on 22 November where it was officially launched by Councillor John Spence and senior officials. It then headed to Maldon, Colchester and Clacton.



A red double decker bus branded with teh text 'Care for a loved one? Know your Rights'. There is a group of people standing in front of the bus with an information table,

On 23 November it travelled to Epping, Harlow, Great Dunmow and Braintree.

On 24 November it travelled to Canvey Island, Rochford, Basildon and Brentwood.

Read more about carers' rights.

Find out more about the support available for unpaid carers in Essex.