On Tuesday 4th May 2021, the new Breathing Space and Mental Health Crisis Debt Respite Schemes came into effect. Breathing Space is a new scheme that gives people temporary protection from most types of debt collection while they work with a debt adviser. People need to apply through a debt adviser, such as a member of the Citizens Advice Sutton debt advice team, for sixty days’ Breathing Space.  

Fraudsters are using new scams related to the Covid pandemic to target vulnerable people on their doorstep.  It has heard of people claiming to be from local NHS services offering fast-track testing and vaccines, selling vitamin pills that supposedly protect against Covid, and collecting donations for fake charities.  Rogue traders have also used the pandemic as an opportunity to revive traditional doorstep scams such as offering building, gardening or home improvement services that they overcharge for or never complete.  Understanding doorstep scams.

The objective is to raise awareness of the importance of appliance registration for both new and in-use household appliances, whilst highlighting the practical value of the registermyappliance.org.uk portal for doing this.

Brits are being urged not to fall for fake holiday scams as criminals try to con
people out of thousands of pounds. It comes as excitement starts to build over the new traffic light system that is expected to come into place later this year. Please look at this for more details.

Carers Week 2021 takes place 7th - 13th June. It is an annual campaign to not only raise awareness of unpaid Carers, but also to highlight the challenges they face and overcome on a daily basis, and to recognise the contribution Carers make to both families and communities throughout the UK. This is also a time to help people who may not think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify themselves as Carers and receive the dedicated support that they deserve.

Over a year on, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much present, with Carers continuing to face challenges as a result. Many people have taken on more caring responsibilities for family and friends, who, because of disability or illness (physical or mental), may need additional support. Carers should be recognised for the positive impact they make, be respected for what they do for others, and be provided with information, support and understanding; this is why the theme for 2021 is ‘Make Caring Visible and Valued’.

During Carers Week, thousands of individuals and organisations all across the UK come together to provide support, activities and celebratory events for Carers, whilst promoting the vital role of Carers within our communities.

Here at Sutton Carers Centre, alongside many of our usual activities, we will be leading a range of events to help raise awareness of Carers in Sutton, and help ensure that they feel visible and valued within the community. Soon we will be releasing Sutton’s timetable for the week, so please tell us what you have planned so you can be included. In the meantime, please keep an eye on our website www.suttoncarerscentre.org (currently being re-vamped) and our Twitter and Facebook pages for the latest updates.

If you would like to run an activity for Carers Week, but you are not quite sure where to start - or perhaps would like to get involved in a joint event with us at Sutton Carers Centre - then please contact Chiara Borwick on communications@suttoncarerscentre.org or 020 8296 5611. We would love to hear from you!