Bradford District Care Trust is urging people to seek help if they are caring for a family member or friend with a long-term illness or disability.

The trust is supporting Carers Rights Day, today, by advising those who look after people with long term conditions in Bradford, Airedale and Craven to know their rights.

The trust recognises the valuable role carers play in looking after and supporting people who use its services and believes it is vital to support them as well.

The theme for this year’s Carers Rights Day is ‘money matters’.

Chris Barnett, 59, of Woodside, Bradford, looks after his daughter Kim, 23, who has a rare disorder called Von Hippel–Lindau Disease, which means she needs dialysis three times a week.

Mr Barnett took redundancy two years ago to look after Kim and her twin daughters and has been living off this but the money is now running low.

He always intended to go back to work but he wants to be there to support Kim and her three-year-old girls when they need it.

Earlier this year he contacted Carers’ Connection Bradford seeking help and advice. A carer support worker visited him at home and talked him through some of the support available. They helped him apply for the carer’s allowance which he is now receiving.

Mr Barnett said: “The money helps keep my head above the water. It really has made a difference.”

It wasn’t just finances that Mr Barnett needed help with. He added: “I was getting to the end of my tether. I needed someone to talk to, someone to give assurance and advice.

“If you are on your own contact someone, like the Carers’ Connection, to talk to them about it.”

Jan Rhodes, carers’ support co-ordinator at Carers’ Connection Bradford, said: “As well as practical and financial advice, we try to help carers deal with the emotional side of looking after someone with a long-term illness. We provide links to social and educational activities.”

The next information day for carers is on Tuesday from 10am to 12.30pm at the Grange Interlink.

Carers’ Connection Bradford offers advice, activities, information and support for carers. Call (01274) 323323.