What changes/ improvements have you seen for carers in local services?

Things have got better for carers. More carers know about their rights now –more carers attended our Carers Week this year than during any of the previous three years I have been involved! The local Mayor and MP, Fiona Mactaggart also took part so carers could see that senior people in the community are committed to carers.

There have been some cuts locally.  For example, taxi vouchers used to be paid twice a year and now they are only paid once a year. Overall I’d say things are definitely improving.

How else have you been active in your community?

I’m President of the Hindu Culture Society which meets at the Temple.  We try to promote Hindu culture across the community – its so important that minority cultures reach out and integrate with other communities.  Faith communities have huge resources – they often build community halls and facilities and it’s so important that these are used for everyone’s benefit. We want to be as welcoming as possible.

I founded and am involved with Slough Senior Citizens group, which provides friendship, information and social activities for people in slough of all nationalities and cultures. Last year we ran seminars and workshops to give people information on their health and also visited the House of Commons.

I was delighted to win the MP’s Hero Award this year – it was such a surprise and a great honour.   The magnificent aura of the House of Commons was very inspiring and I feel motivated to do more for my community.

What advice would you give to other carers thinking about standing up and getting involved in their local communities?

It’s very beneficial on a personal level and also helps the community when people get involved.  It’s good to have the local MP’s support. We are lucky in that Fiona McTaggart champions carers and takes our concerns forward to Parliament. 

Its also helpful to reach out to other carers and local groups, and join together.  The media is a powerful tool – carers can get good coverage by getting in touch with local reporters and journalists in advance and giving them information – a press notice is always a good idea, and following up after the event or story with photos and quotes.  Its good to have a communications resource to help publicise your campaign.

Slough Senior Citizens: www.sloughseniors.org

Find out more about Fiona Mactaggart MP for Slough: www.fionamactaggart.labour.co.uk Contact your MP: www.writetothem.co.uk

The MP'S Heroes Awards are organised annually by the Experience Corps: www.experiencecorps.co.uk/hero.asp