First Power of Attorney Day launched by Carers NI to tackle low public awareness
Carers NI and Standard Life have joined forces to launch the first ever UK-wide Power of Attorney Day at a special event held in the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick with unpaid carers today (Wednesday 22 April 2026).
A power of attorney is a legal document that enables someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
Despite its importance, very few people consider it a priority, even as they get older.
Most people assume those close to us will automatically be allowed to make decisions on our behalf if we can’t but often, this doesn’t automatically happen and can leave a carer or family member in difficulties.
Today’s Power of Attorney Day aims to raise awareness of this important legal tool and the role it can play in supporting individuals and families during difficult times.
Setting up a power of attorney can be especially important for Northern Ireland’s 220,000 unpaid carers who support someone who is older, seriously unwell or disabled, offering protection when someone loses capacity, to help ensure their personal preferences and choices are respected.
In Northern Ireland, a Power of Attorney and an Enduring Power of Attorney allows an individual to appoint a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf. Anyone aged 18 or over can set this up, but it must be done while they still have mental capacity to make their own decisions.
Barbara Morrow is a carer for her mum, 94 years old, who has dementia said:
“As a carer who has been through the process of using an Enduring Power of Attorney, I can’t stress how important it is to have the difficult conversations about finances early and an Enduring Power of Attorney in place.
“Taking financial planning seriously future proofs and secures the wishes of loved ones, their care and finances and makes the job of being an attorney easier”.
Joleen Cunningham, Public Affairs Manager of Carers NI said: “Carers in NI have told us they want more support with planning for the future.
“Many are unsure about what steps they should take and what provisions they can put in place to ensure peace of mind for their future and that of their cared for person.
“Our first ever Power of Attorney Day will help carers by starting the conversation, raising awareness of Enduring Power of Attorney in NI and how it provides protection for the future.”
As part of the presentation day. Carers NI are held a special roadshow “Planning for What Matters” which included a session delivered by the Law Society of NI on Power of Attorney and in setting up and managing a will.
The Law Society of NI said: “The Society is pleased to have been involved in the first Power of Attorney Awareness day. Using a solicitor to make an Enduring Power of Attorney and when making a will, is the best way to protect a person’s interest and provide peace of mind both for a person and their carer”.
Director of Corporate Affairs and Brand at Standard Life, and executive sponsor of the company’s carers network, Claire Hawkins, said: “Our research shows that too many people are unprepared for life events that could leave them vulnerable.
“Enduring Power of Attorney isn’t just a legal formality… it’s a vital safeguard setting out who can manage your finances in the event of something happening to you.
“Without it, loved ones may face lengthy legal processes to gain authority, often at a time of crisis, which can delay access to essential funds and support.
“Power of Attorney Day will help to educate the public and dispel myths so that people can better understand why and how to put an Enduring Power of Attorney in place before they need to use one.”
There was also a presentation on the importance of having a will and also on contingency planning (a template is available on the Carers NI website.
To find out more about today’s Power of Attorney Day, visit:
https://powerofattorneyday.org.uk/
For more information about making a Power of Attorney and an Enduring Power of Attorney, visit: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/managing-your-affairs-and-enduring-power-attorney#toc-0
About Carers NI
Carers NI is a charity led by carers, for carers – their mission is to make life better for carers. If you are a carer, why not join up and find extra support when it is needed.
• We give expert advice, information, and support
• We connect carers so no-one has to care alone
• We campaign together for lasting change
• We innovate to find new ways to reach and support carers
For practical advice and information about caring, go to:
or email: [email protected] or call our helpline on 0808 808 7777.
The Carers UK Forum is our online community of carers and is available to Carers UK members 24-hours a day, 365 days a year:
https://www.carersuk.org/forum
Website: https://www.carersuk.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carersnorthernireland
Twitter: @CarersNI
About Standard Life
Standard Life is a brand that has been trusted to look after peoples’ life savings for 200 years.
Today it proudly serves millions of customers who come to Standard Life directly, through advisers and through their employers’ pension scheme. Standard Life is part of Phoenix Group, one of the UK’s largest long-term savings and retirement businesses. We’re proud to be building on 200 years of Standard Life heritage together.
Standard Life products include a variety of Pensions, Bonds and Retirement options to suit people’s needs, helping our customers to invest and save for their future, and they offer a leading range of sustainable and responsible investment options.
Also, they support their customers on their journey to and through retirement with comprehensive, easy-to-understand guidance so they can invest in the right way for their needs and plan a future they feel confident about.
