On Thursday, November 20, we join Carers UK, our own Carers Support Project, and organisations nationwide to mark Carers Rights Day 2025, a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness of the rights and support available to unpaid carers.
This year’s theme, ‘Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights,’ focuses on ensuring that carers understand their entitlements and feel confident in accessing the help and support they need. To mark the occasion, the RCT Carers Support Project is inviting unpaid carers to join free creative activities – enabling them to take some time out and connect with others:
- Resin Art Making. 10.30am-12.30pm, Cynon Linc – Aberdare
- Wreath Making. 12.45pm-2.45pm, Carers Support Project, Gelliwastad Road, Pontypridd
- Resin Art Making. 2pm-4pm, Porth Library
Booking is essential. To reserve your place, please call 01443 281 463 or email:carerssupportproject@rctcbc.gov.uk
In addition to these events, Carers Rights Day is about making sure unpaid carers across Rhondda Cynon Taf understand their legal rights and the protections available to them. These include:
- Unpaid Carer’s Leave – take up to 5 days of unpaid leave per year to manage caring responsibilities under the Carer’s Leave Act 2024.
- Carers Assessment – this will look at the impact that caring has on you and the support that you may need.
- Flexible working – request flexible working arrangements from day one of employment and more than one request per year.
- Identify as a Carer – you can ask your GP to identify you as a carer on your patient record, making you a priority for things like vaccines.
You can find a full list of carers rights by visiting: Carers Rights Day | Carers UK
Councillor Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Social Care, said: “Carers Rights Day is an important opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution unpaid carers make every day.
“We want carers to feel empowered to understand and use their rights – whether that’s taking carers leave, requesting flexible working, or accessing a carers assessment.
“Alongside these national rights, we’re proud to offer local support through our Carers Support Project. This support includes practical advice, leisure discounts, and community events and activities.
“This Carers Rights Day, we want to ensure that all carers across Rhondda Cynon Taf are aware of their rights and the support available to them.”
The day is also dedicated to ensuring unpaid carers are aware of the support that is available to them:
- Carers Leisure Discount Scheme – enjoy reduced rates at leisure centres across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
- Carers Emergency Card – peace of mind if something happens to you unexpectedly.
- Carers Support Project – Access advice, information, and practical support tailored to your caring role, including support for young carers.
The Council is proud to support this important day by encouraging carers to explore the resources and rights available to them.
Councillor Sharon Rees, Cabinet Member for Social Care, said: “Young carers often juggle school, friendships, and caring responsibilities – which can become overwhelming. Carers Rights Day is about making sure they know where to turn for support and that their voices are heard.
“Through the Carers Support Project, we offer tailored help and support for young cares – giving them the space to take a break, connect with others, and access advice and information.
“We want every young carer in Rhondda Cynon Taf to feel valued, supported, and aware that their rights matter just as much as their caring responsibilities.”
For 60 years, Carers UK has campaigned for better rights for the UK’s unpaid carers. We are working hard to secure a future where all carers are properly recognised, valued and provided with the support they need to live a life beyond their caring responsibilities.
For more information on Carers UK, please visit: Carers UK
For local carers support, please contact the RCT Carers Support Hub:
Phone: 01443 281 463
Email: CarersSupportProject@rctcbc.co.uk
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Posted on 20/11/2025