York Carers' Strategy Group and York and Selby Carers' Centre are aiming to raise the awareness of the important role carers play in the community on Carers' Rights Day, Friday 7 December.

Every year, more than two million people become carers for the first time. A carer is someone who, without payment, looks after or supports a friend, relative or neighbour who is sick, frail or disabled.

Many carers do not know where to turn for help and advice and are unaware of their rights. Each year Carers UK holds a Carers Rights day to:
- Make sure carers know their rights
- Guide carers towards practical support
- Raise awareness of the needs of carers
- Increase take up of the estimated 40 - 60 per cent of disability and carers benefits that go unclaimed every year (equivalent to £660 million).

The groups will also use the national awareness day to launch a GP Resource pack. The launch will be supported by guest speaker Dr David Geddes, Medical Director for North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust, and will be open to staff from any of the GP practices in York.

The Resource Pack provides vital information for primary care staff in GP practices about how to identify and support carers, including information about local and national sources of advice and support. Many carers are unrecognised and this can have an adverse impact on their health. However with the right support and recognition, carers can chose to continue to care and remain healthy.

A new report published by Carers UK, which was researched and written by Leeds University, shows that carers save the state £87 billion a year in the value of unpaid care they provide. This is greater than the annual budget for the NHS.

Frances Perry, Carers Strategy manager for City of York Council, said: "We need to recognise the true value of the unpaid care provided by carers and give back something in return. GPs can play an enormously important role in supporting and identifying carers as they are often the only health professionals a carer will see. Providing help and recognition to carers in the early stages can stop them from becoming ill and being unable to care."

Dr David Geddes, North Yorkshire and York PCTs Medical Director, added:
"Raising awareness and supporting the work of carers is vital and with GPs often being a first point of contact their support is essential. By supporting Carers day we can help to ensure carers know how they are able to get the right help and advice they need."

Anyone who is a carer or part of a GP practice and would like further information about the GP resource pack for carers, should contact Lee Greenfield on 01904 724796.