CARERS across Newport took the opportunity to discover what support they were entitled to for looking after a sick or disabled relative at home on Carers' Rights Day.

Carers Contact in Newport Provisions Market was among many places in the city offering information about support and entitlement to carers and highlighting the issues carers face.

Wayne Williams, carers development officer, who works for GAVO in partnership with Newport city council, said: "Anyone who looks after a sick or disabled person on an unpaid basis is a carer and may be able to get help."

Mr Williams said that rights and entitlements change all the time so days like Carers' Rights Day were useful to keep informed of what support was available.

Last year Carer's Rights Day led to a big increase in claims for the main benefit, carer's allowance, with 20,000 additional carers successfully claiming.

For anyone who may have missed out on gaining information Carers Contact is open with volunteers available to speak to Monday to Friday from 10am until 4pm in Newport Provisions Market.