People living in Peasedown St John are being given the opportunity to find out more about carers' rights, thanks to a community initiative.

Local Councillors, Karen Walker and Sarah Bevan (Independents, Peasedown St John) have teamed up with Carers UK to mark National Carers Week, 6th – 12th June.

Carers UK is a national charity that provides support and advice to unpaid carers – ensuring they know what benefits are available to them, and what rights they have.

Cllr Karen Walker said:

"Statistics show that 6.5 million people across the UK are carers, and with loved ones now living longer it is estimated that 6,000 individuals are becoming carers every day.

Caring for someone is not easy and Carers UK is there to support these individuals by listening, offering expert, advice and informing you of your rights and entitlements as a carer.

The coronavirus pandemic has shown us over the last two years that the role of carers has never been more important."

To support carers for National Carers Week the councillors have free copies of Carers UK's Information Guide available for anyone to collect from Peasedown Community Library. The guide contains useful information on what support is available, and what benefits those caring for others may be entitled to.

Commenting, Cllr Sarah Bevan added:

"It is important to us to support local carers in our area and so we are helping to raise awareness of the work that carers do by having these free information guides available at the library to take away, ensuring people are aware of their rights and entitlements, which if they are new to caring they may not even know about."

Peasedown St John Community Library is located at The Hive Community Centre, Bath Road, Peasedown St John, BA2 8DH.

Opening hours are:

Mondays, 11 am – 3 pm

Wednesday, 2 pm – 4 pm

Saturdays, 10 am – 1 pm