LETTER - help from Carers NI

Every year around 69,000 people in Northern Ireland become carers – they look after a loved one who is frail, ill or disabled.

Because they are unpaid, carers in Northern Ireland save the economy at least £4.4 billion each year. At the same time they are missing out on state support of more than £4 million in unclaimed benefits.

Not just benefits

It’s not all about benefits. Carers can end up exhausted and isolated if they don’t get the help they need. Often people who look after others don’t even think of themselves as carers - caring may happen gradually, or we see it as part of normal family life. Many of us are unaware of our right to benefits and services that can help. This is where Carers Northern Ireland can help.

Call us any weekday on 028 9043 9843 and ask for our free ‘Looking after someone’ booklet - an essential guide to carers’ rights and benefits. You can also download the booklet and find useful information about training and support for carers on our website - www.carersni.org.

Advice service

We also offer a confidential and independent Advice Service for carers throughout Northern Ireland who need more detailed one to one advice on benefits and caring, helping them find the support they need, when they need it. Call us any weekday on 028 9043 9843 or email [email protected] for more information.

When caring affects you and your family, Carers Northern Ireland is here for you.

Yours faithfully

John McCormick

Carers NI