Many people who provide unpaid care for family and friends are unaware of the rights they have at work, in the healthcare system, and as individuals.

Unpaid carers are people who provide care for a family member, friend, or partner without receiving payment from a company or local authority.

There are more than 56,400 unpaid carers across Cumbria, according to Carers UK figures, who are estimated to save the government £162 billion a year by providing care that the NHS or social services would otherwise have to provide.

However, providing unpaid care impacts carers' finances, employment, and health.

Every day, 12,000 people in England and Wales become unpaid carers for a partner, family member, or friend.

Many of these people don't see themselves as carers and are often unaware of their legal rights and what they are entitled to in terms of support and benefits.

Across the county, Carer Support Cumbria has independent, local charities that provide support to unpaid carers.

The chief executive officer of Carer Support Carlisle and Eden said: "As part of this year’s Carers' Rights Day, we are running a campaign on social media to help carers recognise and understand their rights.

"As a carer, knowing your rights empowers you with information about what you’re entitled to."

The chief executive officer of Carer Support South Lakes, Debi Marsden, said: "Earlier this year, the Carer’s Leave Act became law, giving employees juggling work with unpaid care the legal right to up to five days unpaid leave per year.

"And the introduction of the new Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act means anyone, including unpaid carers, can ask their employer for changes to their working hours, times of work, or place from day one in a new job."

The chief executive officer of Carer Support West Cumbria, Sharon Sewell, added: "Unpaid carers also have the right to ask their GP practice to identify them as a carer on their patient’s records.

"The benefit of this is that unpaid carers may then fall into a priority group for vaccines or other public health campaigns."

The chief executive officer of Carer Support Furness, Craig Backhouse, said: "Unpaid carers also have protection against discrimination or harassment.

"If you look after an older or disabled person, the law (Equality Act 2010) protects you against direct discrimination or harassment because of your caring responsibilities."

More information about unpaid carers' rights and support in Cumbria is available from the Carer Support Cumbria website.