Opening Doors to Wider Support: Carers Rights Day 2025
CymraegEnglish
Carers Rights Day 2025 takes place on Thursday 20 November, and this year we’re shining a light not only on the financial support available to unpaid carers — but also on the wider, life-changing support that many of our delivery partners offer.
If you care for someone without pay — whether it’s a family member, friend, or neighbour — you have rights. You also have access to support, including financial help through the Carers Support Fund.
In Wales, there are over 310,000 unpaid carers — though the real number is likely much higher. Many people don’t realise they are carers until they are overwhelmed, exhausted, and possibly in financial difficulty.
Understanding Your Rights
Knowing your rights can help lighten the load. Whether it’s access to carers leave, free flu jabs, or financial support, these entitlements exist to support your wellbeing.
Watch our animated explainer video
Taking the First Step: The Carers Support Fund
Co-ordinated by Carers Trust Wales and funded by Welsh Government, the Carers Support Fund has supported nearly 30,000 unpaid carers in Wales since 2022. Delivered through local carers’ organisations, the fund offers financial help — but its impact goes far beyond money.
Carers can also access tailored services such as financial advice, income support, and money management guidance. For many carers, applying to the fund is the first time they’ve reached out for support — and the first time they’ve recognised themselves as a carer. That moment of recognition can open the door to a whole network of help.
A Gateway to Wider Support
Local delivery partners across Wales are using the fund to connect carers with broader services. These connections can be life-changing — offering emotional support, practical advice, and financial guidance.
Spotlight on: Citizens Advice Merthyr Tydfil
Through the Carers Support Fund, Citizens Advice Merthyr Tydfil has been able to provide dedicated advice and support to unpaid carers in their area.
Jack Bennett, Advice and Partnership Manager, explains: “The project aims to help carers manage the financial, practical and emotional challenges that come with their caring roles, ensuring they can access the right information, advice and support at the right time.”
Between April and September 2025, the project supported over 70 carers through one-to-one advice, ongoing casework, and signposting to specialist services. Their advisers offer holistic support across a wide range of issues, including:
- Welfare benefits
- Debt and housing
- Employment and energy advice
- Access to local wellbeing and respite services
“Many carers come to us experiencing significant financial pressures due to reduced working hours or the additional costs associated with caring,” Jack shares. “Through detailed benefit checks and advice, we’ve helped carers maximise their income and reduce financial stress.”
A significant number of carers have also benefited from specialist energy and cost-of-living support — including guidance on energy tariffs, grant applications, and home efficiency measures. These practical steps have helped carers make meaningful savings at a time when household costs remain high.
Emotional wellbeing is also a key focus. Advisers provide space for carers to be heard and connect them with local mental health and respite services when needed.
Expert guidance
“Citizens Advice Merthyr Tydfil is an accredited advice organisation, and we take our responsibility seriously to provide accurate, high-quality advice,” Jack continues. “Carers have been guided to access benefits, grants, and charitable support, increasing opportunities to secure financial assistance. Our partnerships with local authority carers coordinators have strengthened referral pathways, ensuring carers who might otherwise not seek help can access support.”
Their expertise allows them to guide carers from initial benefit checks all the way through to representation at tribunals, if needed. By combining welfare rights, debt advice, and energy efficiency guidance, the project ensures carers receive a holistic approach that boosts income and builds financial resilience.
Feedback from carers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have said they felt “listened to for the first time” and that the support made a tangible difference to their ability to cope.
A son caring for his elderly mother, who has dementia, said,
The support I received has been life-changing. I feel more confident, less stressed, and better able to care for my mum without worrying constantly about money.
The project has already demonstrated clear impact in terms of financial gains, improved wellbeing, and greater awareness of carers’ rights and entitlements.
Reducing the Burden
The Carers Support Fund is more than a grant, it’s a gateway to understanding, recognition and support. It helps carers take that first step, and from there, access the rights and resources they deserve.
Links
Citizens Advice Merthry Tydfil
Welsh Government advice: Understanding your care and support rights as you get older
A range of tools and information from Carers Trust Help For Carers | Comprehensive Support from Carers Trust
Carer’s Assessment Carer's needs assessment | Carers Wales
Cardiff carers helpline: 02920 234234 or email: contactILS@cardiff.gov.uk for help with:
- free advice and assistance
- support that is focused on Unpaid Carer and their needs
- accessing local support services
- understanding their rights and entitlements; and
- Carers Needs Assessments.