THOUSANDS of people in Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley who are caring for a sick or disabled relative at home may be missing out on the support they are entitled to.

That was the claim made today by Carers Link Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, which is holding an information day to coincide with national Carers' Rights Day.

It takes place at the charity's headquarters at Link House, in King Street, Accrington, on Thursday, December 2.

The aim of the day is to inform people caring for someone else of the benefits and services available and important recent changes to these.

Last year Carers' Rights Day led to a big increase in claims for carers' allowance - the main benefit for people looking after a sick or disabled relative.

Carers Link staff will be on hand on the day, from 10am to 3pm, to offer help and information.

Representatives from Lancashire County Council Social Services, Welfare Rights, Hyndburn Citizens Advice Bureau, the Pensions Service and Job Centre Plus will also be there to offer help and advice to carers.

Kathleen Eastwood, manager at Carers Link, said: "Anyone who looks after a sick or disabled person on an unpaid basis is a carer and may be able to get help.

"They would be very welcome to come along to our Carers' Rights Day event to pick up a Carers' Rights Guide and receive some support and advice."

She added: "Rights and entitlements change all the time. From April 1 next year they will have new rights to ensure that they have more choice and opportunities to lead a more fulfilling life by placing a duty upon local authorities to tell carers what they are entitled to.

"This new act gives local authorities strong powers to enlist the help of health, housing and education authorities in providing support."

For more information contact Kathleen at Carers Link, in King Street, on 387444, or email her at info@carerslink.org.

Carers who are unable to attend can obtain the Carers' Rights Day Guide by writing to Carers' Rights Day Guide, Carers UK, 20/25 Glasshouse Yard, London EC1A 4JT, emailing carersrightsday@uk

carersorg, or by visiting www.carersonline.org.uk.