Unsung heroes, forgotten army. These terms are commonly used to describe carers.  They conjure up people wanting sympathy.  Carers tell us that they do not want sympathy - they would much rather have rights and the same chances in life that other people enjoy.  But many carers are unaware of their rights and miss out on much needed services.

Despite improvements in support for carers over the last few years, still the problem remains that most people do not recognise themselves as ‘carers’. Some people, understandably, do not want to label themselves as 'carers' - they see themselves first and foremost as the friend, daughter, brother, parent etc of the person they care for.   This should not mean that they miss out on benefits and other help such as a much needed break – help which they are entitled to. 

Why recognition is important

• the term 'carer' is defined in legislation and is a crucial passport to benefits and services.
• £60 million of carers' benefits goes unclaimed each year.
• over 31,000 people in Scotland become carers each year.  Recognising themselves as carers is the first important step to getting help.

 What Carers Scotland is doing about it

• Carers Rights Day: On 5th December 2003 our message about carers' rights reached over a million people, helping carers get the benefits and services that will make a difference to their lives.  Find out how you can take part in Carers Rights Day on 3rd December 2004.
• Call Us Carers: our campaign to end the confusion about who the term 'carer' applies to - some professionals use the term 'carer' in their job title.
• Carers Week:  Carers Scotland is a partner in this annual event to raise awareness of carers.
• Training professionals: Carers Scotland is the leading provider of training to health and social care professionals, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to make a difference to carers' lives.
• Changing the law: Carers Scotland has worked closely with members of the Scottish Parliament to ensure the passing of the Community Care & Health (Scotland) Act, which gives all carers a right to request an assessment of their needs.