Carers' Rights Day is a national awareness day, organised by the carers' charity, Carers UK.

This year, their campaign is entitled "Getting Help in Tough Times" and focusses on:

• finding financial help
• getting a helping hand
• making the most of technology

The aim is to inform carers of the rights, benefits and services they are entitled to. This includes Carers' Allowance, short breaks to recharge the batteries and technology to give them peace of mind when they are out of the house.

The Chief Executive of Carers UK said:

"Two million people take on caring responsibilities for ill and disabled loved ones each year and it often takes months or years for them to be told about the financial and practical support available to them. As a result, it is essential that carers are given the advice they need to find financial help and get a helping hand from practical services and technology available to them."

Carers UK have produced a booklet "Looking after Someone" which gives a comprehensive guide to financial and practical support available to carers. Sainsbury's have funded the provision of these booklets for those organising Carers' Rights events. The booklets will be available at the first meeting of Carers 4 Carers.

You can find out more about Carers UK and the support they provide by visiting their website: www.carersuk.org/