The Royal Borough of Greenwich is marking Carers Rights Day 2025 by sharing two new videos to help unpaid carers understand and exercise their rights, and by signposting to the range of local support available.
Across the borough many people, including young people, provide vital unpaid care for family members, friends or neighbours who could not manage without their support. This care could include domestic tasks, personal care, providing emotional support, or interpreting for friends or family members. Carers play a critical role in our communities, and it is essential they know their rights and have access to the help they are entitled to.
To support this, the council has created two short videos to highlight two key areas of carers rights:
- Understanding your rights as a carer and getting a carer’s assessment with Carin from Greenwich Carers Centre
- Understanding your employment rights as a carer with Nick, a local carer and employer
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary said:
“Carers play an essential role in our borough, often balancing caring responsibilities with work, family and their own wellbeing. We want every carer in Greenwich to know their rights and feel supported. Carers Rights Day is an important reminder that help is available, and that no carer should feel like they have to manage alone.”
“Too many carers face hidden struggles and unequal access to support or are unaware that they are a carer altogether. We’re committed to breaking down those barriers and ensuring people's health supports them in living their best lives.”
The council offers a range of support services for unpaid carers, including advice, social activities, and practical assistance. Here are some of the key services available:
- Greenwich Carers Centre: A hub for carers offering face-to-face support, advice, and activities. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm.
- Mobilise: An online support tool connecting carers with information and advice, and signposting to carers' support services in Greenwich.
- Healthwatch Greenwich: Provides information on the support available to unpaid carers, including financial and practical support.
- Our Greenwich, Our Carers: A comprehensive guide for carers in Greenwich, covering access to services, financial support, and mental health resources.
Every carer has the legal right to request a carer’s assessment, which looks at the support you need to continue caring while maintaining your own health and wellbeing. This assessment is free and available to anyone providing unpaid care for a family member or friend. It can help identify practical help, emotional support, and services that make caring more sustainable. If you are a carer, don’t hesitate to reach out or find out more.
Residents who provide unpaid care, or who think they may be a carer, can find more information and support on our website.
Are you a young carer?
The council also has an important role in identifying and supporting young carers. Young carers often balance providing essential care with school or Further Education, which can affect their attendance, attainment and wellbeing. Young carers have the right to an assessment which will help the council understand their needs and the support they may require. As they get older, they are also entitled to a transition assessment that explores what support they may require when they turn 18.
The Greenwich Safeguarding Children Partnership recently launched a Young Carers Identification Tool to support professionals from across the support system to quickly and sensitively identify a young carer. Young carers can also join the Children and Young People Who Care Network to be signposted to additional support.
Tune in to the Greenwich Young Carers Podcast to hear an interview with Imago, our commissioned service supporting young carers in schools, where they discuss young carers’ rights and the pathways available for support. You can also hear directly from young carers, who share their personal stories and experiences of supporting a loved one.
More information and support for young carers can be found on our website.
For more information on adult carers:
Carers | Royal Borough of Greenwich
Ask for support with caring for someone | Royal Borough of Greenwich
Residents can request a carers assessment by:
Phoning: 020 8921 2304
Emailing: aops.contact.officers@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
For more information on young carers:
Young Carers - Greenwich Safeguarding Children Partnership
7-Minute Briefing Young Carers
Support for young carers | Royal Borough of Greenwich
Young Carers can access an assessment by:
Phoning: 020 8921 3172
Emailing: mash-referrals@royalgreenwich.gov.uk