Huddersfield solicitors Ridley & Hall held a drop in legal advice session at their office in Market Street on Friday 20^th November to celebrate and support carers. Often described as the unsung heroes of society, across the UK today 6.5 million people are carers supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or is seriously ill.

The charity Carers UK is the UK’s only national membership charity for carers. They have 50 years’ experience of providing support and campaigning to make life better for carers.

Ridley & Hall are keen to support and encourage the legal rights of carers.

Community law solicitor, Tracey Ling, said:-

“In England the Care Act 2014 was implemented in 2015 to introduce new rights for carers to receive services and get support. For example any carer who appears to have a need for support should be offered a carers assessment by their local authority. Social services should decide if a carer is eligible for support and that can mean that they will provide or fund extra help. If someone being cared for has a need for support they should also be offered a needs assessment by the local authority. It can be tiring and difficult work to care for somebody and sometimes carers need legal advice to help them understand what they are entitled to and to make sure that they get the right sort of support; legal aid may be available.”

The event at Ridley & Hall involved copious cups of tea and coffee as well as cake made by staff. Sainsburys also generously donated cake for the event.

The free drop in session meant that carers could not only have a break from their caring responsibilities, but could also ask qualified legal advisers about all sorts of legal issues in a supportive and friendly environment.

Wills, probate and trusts solicitor, Victoria Maude, commented: –

“It was really lovely to meet so many people from Huddersfield and the surrounding area. We invited carers and those involved in charities and support groups for carers for tea, cake and advice. As a member of Kirklees Dementia Action Alliance, Ridley & Hall is particularly keen to support carers of those with dementia. When someone is diagnosed with dementia families often won’t be aware that it can still possible for that person to make a lasting power of attorney and a will and those can be essential legal documents to help them to make important decisions about their care, treatment and finances. My colleagues and I are always happy to have an informal chat about what we can do to help.”