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Carers Rights Day event in West Berkshire
Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or a friend - many of whom don't see themselves as carers, often unaware of their legal rights and what they're entitled to in terms of support and benefits.
Carers should not have to miss out on support designed to reduce some of the pressures caring can bring. Whether they care 24/7 or juggle care with work and family life, are new to caring or have been for many years, and wherever they live in the UK - all carers deserve to understand their rights and be supported to use them if they wish.
Come to the Carers Rights Day event in Thatcham on 20 November 2025 and learn about your rights and talk to organisations that can support you in your caring role. More details are here.
Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership
The Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership provide a Carers Hub for family carers in Reading and West Berkshire. The partnership members Age UK Berkshire and CommuniCare work with the carers of residents in West Berkshire.
The partnership provides information and advice to unpaid carers to help support their physical and emotional wellbeing. They are able to advise on financial help (such as grants, benefits and discounts) and rights in employment. They also signpost to other relevant services.
To access support from the Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership, you can:
A 'carers emergency card' is a small photo ID card carers can use to let other people know that they have a dependant person at home in need of help, should you become unwell or involved in an accident.
To find out more and how to apply for a card, contact The Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership:
The Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership can also help you develop a Carers Emergency Plan. Carers UK provide examples of what to consider as part of this plan.
It's a good idea to register as a carer with your GP surgery. Just contact your surgery to let them know. This helps your surgery to be aware of your caring responsibilities and the potential impact on your own health. They can then also take account of your needs as a carer when trying to arrange appointment times that fit in with your caring responsibilities.
The NHS have useful guidance to help you get the most out of your appointment with a checklist of what to ask your GP.
Your GP surgery may refer you to a social prescriber, who could provide you with information, advice and signposting.
Caring for a person going into hospital
Royal Berkshire Hospital have an Information for Carers and Carer Passport leaflet. It explains what you can expect and how you can work with hospital staff to get the best for the person you care for.
An advocate is someone who can support you to speak up for yourself, or speak up for you. They can help you say what you want, secure your rights and get services you need.
referral form [48KB] 
information for carers booklet [2MB] .
