There are around 21,000 unpair carers here in Swindon and whether you are a new carer or have been caring for someone for a while, it is vital that you understand your rights and have access to the support you need.
This is an issue of huge importance to me and I am proud of the role I played in getting the Carers Act which enshrined legal rights to assessment for carers onto the statute book. I am also pleased that the theme of Carers Rights Day 2020 is ‘Know Your Rights’ and that I have the opportunity to take part in a question and answer session on Friday hosted by Swindon Carers Centre as part of their efforts to raise awareness of the needs of carers.
If you are caring for someone and want to know more about your rights, or simply want to find out more information, please visit: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-resources/looking-after-someone.
I am looking forward to Window Wanderland, an award-winning project which provides toolkits for communities around the world to set up their own magical illuminated art trails, is coming to Parks, Walcot and Liden between the 20th and 24th November.
Window Wanderland is a fantastic way for residents to celebrate their local community and I urge everyone in the Parks, Walcot and Liden to take part and decorate their windows.
Once you have registered for the event you will be able to see your location as well as others on a display map so you can plan a walking route around the area. This will give you, your family and friends an opportunity to view the hard work and brilliant displays made by people in our community.
To register for the event, visit: https://www.windowwanderland.com/event/parks-walcot-2020/.
As Lord Chancellor & Justice Secretary I am proud to be spearheading reforms which will see victims of serious crimes gain twelve fundamental rights, including the ability to appeal against release decisions.
Victims of serious crimes as part of the reforms are to get an automatically legally-enforced right to be told how, when and where their attacker will be released and how they will be protected from them.
One of the biggest changes in the code that I am making will mean victims of violent or sexual offences, in which the criminal is sentenced to twelve or more years in prison, will automatically be opted into a scheme where they are guaranteed rights of appeal and regular updates on their offender.
They will be told when the offender is moved to an open prison, when they are due to be released and what conditions have been placed on them to prevent them contacting the victim or meeting them in the community.
Victims will have rights to present their views at parole hearings if they object to the offender’s early release and to appeal against both any release decision and licence conditions if they fear they are not adequate to prevent harassment or accidental meetings.
The detailed rights aim to end scandals in which families have been left in the dark only to subsequently discover that an offender has been released or is about to be let out of jail.
The new Victims’ Code forms an essential part of the reforms I am making to restore faith and confidence in our criminal justice system.
