Carers in Nottinghamshire seek justice
21 August 2007
Carers in Nottingham set up 'Justice for Carers' because they were not being listened to on important local issues such as transport, care homes and education. Co-ordinator Sarah Hemstock tells us what makes the group special and what it has achieved.
A voice for carers
Justice for Carers was set up by a group of Carer's who are concerned about various local issues but unable to air their views. Sarah Hemstock one of the co-ordinators says "They are usually too busy caring! They are not consulted over social changes which happen around them. Our organisation pursues issues which are brought to our attention on a personal basis. "
Justice for Carers works in a very simple way - any carer can log onto the Group's website and email their concerns. Sarah says,"we take action as a group - lobbying and using local press & internet." The group will take up "any issue relevant to carers that we are approached about - from relatively simple things like buses and local transport, to more complex issues like day-centre care and getting Social Services to consult with carers as well as those they care for. "
Recent campaigns include: the Big Notts County Council Rip off - protesting against a big increase in service charges which was introduced without informing carers or service users.
"Don't let it lie."
Justice for Carers takes up the cause of individual carers. Its efforts have paid off - earlier this year, grandmother Janice Heffernan was denied access to special education for her autistic great-grandson. After a lot of campaigning and press coverage, Janice has won the right to a local authority assessment.
Sarah has great expectations for the group and sees a big future. "We hope that the website will become a useful forum for carers. We hope that we will develop into a strong lobby group - focusing our efforts on the issues of individuals - supporting individuals with their own issues and facilitating solutions. We also hope to lobby on issues of concern to all carers - but the individual will come first!
Sarah's advice to other carers wanting to get involved in local campaigning: "Don't give up, be a nuisance, and get help from other people who are like minded or have the same difficulties - use networking and don't let it lie!"
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