Carers debate

Carers response to the Strategy

"There is ‘visionary’ language which speaks of “carers at the heart

of 21st century families” -  at least there is an aspiration that things will change for us.

The reality for carers like myself who have given up so much of our lives, just so that someone we love can have their life is that we cannot wait.  We have waited too long. "

Preethi Manuel, carer speaking at the Carers UK London event

Carers took part in 3 regional events, organised by Carers UK and debated with MPs and senior figures what needs to happen to enable the Strategy to make a difference to carers' lives.

Top issues carers identified:

• the Government needs to urgently reform carers benefits to help carers struggling financially;
• PCTs should make sure that they invest in good-quality breaks that will genuinely give carers proper time off from caring;
• Local authorities and health organisations should be carefully monitored to make sure they improve carers' services

Listen to Carer Ghzala Ahmad talk about the Strategy and how carers can influence the roll-out locally, and get involved: more...

Listen to carers giving their views about the Strategy and what it will mean for them - more...