National Strategy for Carers 2008

The National Carers Strategy, launched by the Prime Minister in June, sets out a 10-year plan for carers' services.  The Strategy is titled 'Carers at the heart of 21st century families and communities'.

In total the Strategy commits £255 million to create additional support for carers. It also sets out medium and long-term plans aimed at transforming the way that society treats carers.

You can find out what the changes will mean for carers here...

Real change now

Hundreds of carers wrote in to Carers UK and/or came along to regional debates on the Strategy with MPs and told us what needs to happen for the Strategy to make a proper difference to carers' lives. The overwhelming message was that carers want 'real change now.'

Kerry, a carer from Cheshire believes as a minimum carers should receive:

Carer’s Allowance of around £95 per week

Winter fuel allowance £100 -£200

 Free prescriptions

Free dental care or help towards the costs

Telephone help line for when things get tough

Regular Health ‘MOT’

One-to-one support -from another carer, or the GP