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Charities back free personal care bill
The charities Age Concern/Help the Aged, Carers UK, Parkinson’s Disease Society and Counsel and Care have come together to call for politicians to throw their support behind the Personal Care at Home Bill which is due to have its Second Reading in the House of Lords on Monday 1 February 2010.
Carers in employment
Government announces review of support for carers in employment and an increase in the earnings limit for Carer's Allowance.
Carers UK seeks clarification on free care in parliamentary debate
With the Second Reading of the Bill, which will make personal care free to people most in need in their homes, Carers UK is seeking clarification from Government about carers.
Extra employment help for carers
Carers UK has welcomed new support for carers from the Department of Work and Pensions, aimed at supporting carers to combine paid work with caring.
One million give up work to care
One in six carers give up or cut back work to care and face a significant drop in income which can continue for several years. New research by Ipsos MORI for Carers Rights Day shows the average carer in Britain today cares for around six-and-a-half years clocking up an average of 27 hours a week.
Help switching to digital TV
Between now and 2012, television in the UK is changing to digital and the older, analogue TV signal will be switched off by ITV region. Those who don’t have digital TV by the time of switchover will lose their TV service but help could be available for the person you care for.
Carers to be "priority group" for swine flu jab
Carers UK has welcomed the announcement by the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, that carers would a priority group for vaccinations against swine flu.
Carers UK's reaction to the Queen’s Speech
Today’s Queen’s Speech contained a number of Bills that will impact on carers, including groundbreaking legislation to provide free care at home for those with the most severe disabilities.
Carers quiz politicians at National Carers Summit
On Thursday 12th November carers from all over the country attended Carers UK's National Carers Summit in London.
Carers UK takes Poverty Charter to Number Ten
A delegation of Carers UK members have been to Number Ten to hand in the Carers Poverty Charter which calls for urgent action to improve carer finances.
Ask the pharmacist
9-15 November is Ask the Pharmacist week. Caring for someone with high medical needs can mean managing their medicines. We asked pharmacy expert Robert Bradshaw of Lloydspharmacy questions often asked by carers.
Carers now a priority for swine flu vaccination
Carers UK welcomes the decision from Gillian Merron MP, Public Health Minister to make carers a priority for vaccination against H1N1 swine flu in England.
'Trust us', Ministers say on the care Green Paper sums
Charities working with older people, carers and disabled people are up in arms after the Government has reneged on a promise to publish the financial modelling behind the care funding Green Paper.
Carers should be allowed extra time off work when they are unable to cope
Carers UK with backing from the Daily Mirror is calling for carers to be allowed extra time off work when they are unable to cope. One in five people looking after someone find it impossible to balance a job and caring.
Carers UK is backing the Daily Mirror's caring for carers campaign and calling for carer's leave to be made law.
We back Daily Mirror's caring for carers campaign
The Daily Mirror has joined forces with Carers UK to launch a campaign - caring for carers. The national newspaper is featuring carers' stories this week and calling on government to improve the lives of the six million people who care for a relative or friend.
Carers UK reacts to Tory annoucement on residential care fees
Carers UK has issued a statement in response to the Conservative announcement of a policy for payment of residential care fees.
Hospital parking charges to be phased out
Health Secretary Andy Burnham MP today made a second major announcement which will affect carers when he pledged that hospital parking charges for in-patients in England will be phased out over the next three years.
Carers UK welcomes historic end to means testing for personal care
The Prime Minister today announced that disabled and older people with critical needs will be entitled to free care in their homes. This would benefit up to 350,000 people and could mean families who are currently struggling to meet the costs of care could be hundreds of pounds better off.
Carers UK shaping debate at Party Conferences
How will the political parties approach care in the run up to a general election? Will it influence people's voting habits? Carers UK is shaping debate on the future of social care by hosting fringe events at the party conferences of the three main political parties.
Harman: 'People shouldn't have to chose between work and caring'
Harriet Harman has stepped up the Government’s action to raise awareness of flexible working rights for carers with the publication of a new survey showing that millions were unaware of flexible working rights for parents and carers.
Carers deserve better financial support
Carers UK has reacted to today’s report from the Committee of Public Accounts (Supporting Carers to care, 42nd Report of Session 2008-09) which reveals that carers find it hard to access state benefits and employment support because of confusing and complex processes and poor communication from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Carers UK Chair appointed to Prime Minister’s influential Commission on Carers
Today, Don Brereton, Chair of Carers UK was announced as one of the permanent members of the influential Standing Commission on Carers which was set up temporarily by the Prime Minister in September 2007.
Carer wins raffle
The winner of Carers UK's summer raffle was an 83 year old carer from London, who took the first prize of £2,500. The raffle was held to raise much needed funding to support the charities work advising and supporting unpaid carers.
Concern over missing money
Carers UK is concerned that £150 million given to Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) is not being spent on its intended purpose of giving carers a break.
Pandemic Flu update for carers : 30th July 2009
Carers UK is receiving increasing numbers of calls from carers about pandemic flu. This statement outlines what action we are taking to press the government and what the current advice is for carers.
Making personalisation possible for carers
SCIE (Social Care Institue for Excellence) in conjunction with Carers UK has published a new briefing about personalisation and carers.
Government faces up to crisis in care funding
Carers UK reaction to care and support green paper
Carers UK warns of economic problems if care crisis is not resolved
Carers UK today warned of significant economic and social problems if the Government and all political parties do not get to grips with the care crisis facing the country
Free swimming lessons for you or your children
Carers UK is part of the British Gas Charity Partnership. British Gas, proud sponsors of the British Swimming team, are offering free swimming lessons for carers and their children.
Celebration of carers' rights as new legal guide is launched
Parliamentarians, carers and representatives of carers' organisations gathered at Westminster to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the passing of the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act. The historic act promoted the rights of the 6 million people who care for a friend or family member.
MBE for carer Dave Burgess
Carer Dave Burgess has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours.
Carers UK calls for radical overhaul of benefits and care system to prevent carers reaching breaking point
Charity reacts to new research published for Carers Week showing carers are suffering breakdowns and extreme levels of stress.
CARERS ‘IGNORING OWN HEALTH’ URGED TO GET HEALTH CHECKED
Carers UK and Lloydspharmacy partnership offers free heart health checks during Carers Week to tackle poor health for unpaid carers
Carers UK launch carer poverty charter
Carers UK, supported by 8 major charities including Mencap, Rethink, Counsel and Care and the Alzheimer’s Society, today launched a Carer Poverty Charter, calling upon the Government to set out an urgent timetable of action to improve carers’ benefits and income.
Carers UK joins ‘Terminate the Rate’ campaign to cut mobile call costs
Campaign launched to give those calling mobiles a fairer deal by reducing calling costs.
Carers discuss benefits with top civil servants
Last week six carers and Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK, met Sir Leigh Lewis, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions, Terry Moran, Chief Executive of the Pensions, Disability and Carers Service and Jeremy Groombridge, Director of Policy at Jobcentre Plus, to talk about carers' experiences of using the benefits system.
Caring with confidence launched
Caring with Confidence, a free course for carers in England, has been launched today – with the aim of helping carers make a positive difference to their lives. The programme, backed by Carers UK, will offer support and help to carers across England who don’t know where to begin when it comes to accessing the services and benefits available to them.
MPs press Prime Minister on carers’ benefits
This afternoon a delegation of MPs met Prime Minister Gordon Brown to urge him to make improvements to carers’ benefits. Carers UK also attended the meeting and presented carers’ concerns directly to the Prime Minister.
Free healthchecks for carers during Carers Week
Carers UK has teamed up with Lloydspharmacy to offer carers free health checks at local pharmacies during this year's Carers Week.
Chancellor must do more to help unpaid carers
On budget day, Carers UK renews calls for a fairer settlement for the UK’s carers.
Carers UK's reaction to the Budget
Your help needed to compile 'discrimination dossier'
Carers UK are gathering evidence make the case for new legal protections for carers against discrimination. If you have been discriminated against or harrassed as a result of being a carer please fill in our equalities survey and tell us about your experiences.
Discrimination against carers to be outlawed in forthcoming Bill
The Government has today announced that it intends to ban discrimination against carers by protecting people who are ‘associated with’ someone who is disabled. This will apply in employment and in the provision of goods, facilities and services.
Carers Direct advice line launched
New national information, advice and support telephone service for carers, launched on April 1st 2009.
Carers UK and Lloydspharmacy join forces
The two organisations will work together to improve the health of carers, many of whom suffer in silence with health problems of their own.
Carers UK Chair joins top NHS Board
Carers UK Chair Don Brereton is joining the National Quality Board – a new body which will have a key role in advising Ministers and the Secretary of State on improvements to health services and social care where it closely interacts with health. The Board will meet for the first time on 30 March 2009.
Carers Direct - new national information service launched for carers
Sixty people including carers, health charities and government attended the launch on February 16th of a new online information service for carers, Carers Direct, held at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre on London’s South Bank.
Carers UK responds to Individual Budgets evaluation
Carers UK has responded to a new evaluation of the impact on carers of the Individual Budget pilots 2006-2007.
Minister agrees carers will be included in new saving scheme
From 2010, there will be a new government supported saving scheme called the 'Saving Gateway' which will help people save by making a Government contribution of 50p for every pound saved. Yesterday the Government agreed to include carers in the scheme, with Economic Secretary Ian Pearson announcing that he will amend the legislation when it is next debated.
Carers UK honoured at Working Families event
Carers UK's work for carers' employment rights has been recognised as part of the thirtieth anniversary of Working Families, the UK’s leading work-life balance campaign organisation.
Business leaders offer help to employers to mitigate recession
New Employers for Carers service goes live, aimed at helping businesses get the most out of their workforces. Government-backed business group Employers for Carers, chaired by BT and supported by Carers UK, goes live today (27th January). The group will deliver hands-on advice to employers on supporting the UK’s 3 million working carers, many of whom are struggling to combine work with caring for ill, frail or disabled friends or family members.
Carers UK urges Government not to charge interest on social fund loans
Carers UK has responded to a Department for Work and Pensions consultation on reform of the social fund. The social fund offers a mixture of loans and grants to help people on low incomes meet unexpected costs. It is a vital resource for carers who may need a loan to help afford larger items such as a new washing machine or cooker.
MP tables motion to support Carers Rights Day
An MP who spoke at Carers UK's lobby of Parliament has tabled a motion in support of Carers Rights Day (05 December)
Carers hit hard by economic crisis
New research unveils extreme hardship among the nation’s carers. The number of carers struggling to make ends meet has risen dramatically since 2007. Two-thirds in fuel poverty; over half in debt; over half cutting back on essentials like food or heating to make ends meet.
Money expert backs Carers Rights Day
GMTV's money saving expert Martin Lewis has given his backing to Carers Rights Day.
Help raise vital funds for Carers UK with Everyclick
Carers UK has signed up with Everyclick - a one stop shop that enables consumers to access effective and engaging ways to give online.
Carers given immediate protection against discrimination and harassment at work
The Employment Tribunal in London has ruled that protection for carers against discrimination “by association with disability” can be given under existing UK law, paving the way for carers to make immediate claims against their employers if they are treated unfairly.
Chancellor brings Christmas cheer for carers with £60 bonus
Carers UK has welcomed yesterday’s announcement by the Chancellor Alistair Darling MP that all carers who are entitled to Carer’s Allowance will receive an additional payment of £60. This is on top of the usual £10 Christmas Bonus which they will receive. The increase will be paid automatically in the New Year to all those who qualify.
Choice or chore for carers?
Local councils are being urged to provide better support to carers managing direct payments, rather than saddling them with the burden of unnecessary administration and worry in the Government’s drive towards personalisation of care services.
Chance to provide training for carers
Organisations with the expertise to help carers are being invited to become part of a national programme called Caring with Confidence.
Carers' "amazing work" - Gordon Brown
Carers UK Chief Executive, Imelda Redmond's response to Gordon Brown's speech the the Labour Party Conference.
Caring with Confidence
Caring with Confidence is a new programme aimed at making a positive difference to carers and those they care for.
Support for carers - a guide to telecare
With the support of Tunstall, Carers UK has published a new guide to telecare. The guide explains how telecare can be used to benefit carers and provides an overview of the products available and how to obtain them.
Scary, depressing and confusing : Voter's view of Social Care revealed.
Well over half of respondents to a brand new poll of adults in England carried out by the ‘Right care, Right deal’ campaign think that the social care system for older people is “depressing”. 57% of people questioned were prepared to agree with that description, with 51% of respondents stating that social care for older people who need help is “confusing”.
Poverty is closer than you think
Carers UK is backing a new campaign called 'Get Fair' which aims to highlight how many people in the UK such as disabled people and the elderly are living in poverty.
Minister calls for views on social care and support
Carers UK has received a letter from Minister Ivan Lewis MP seeking carers views on the future of care and support.
Carers UK response to Work and Pensions Select Committee report ‘Valuing and supporting carers’
An influential committee of MPs have today published a report on the support available to carers. Carers UK has welcomed their call for replacement of the current ‘outdated’ carers’ benefits.
Carers UK backs carer's fight for justice
Carers UK is backing carer Helen Coughlan’s fight to obtain the care package her disabled brother desperately needs, but which is being drastically reduced by her local Primary Care Trust in Redbridge, Surrey.
Carers can't wait
Carers can't wait. That was the message coming loud and clear from a series of meetings attended by hundreds of the UK's carers in July 2008.
Carers to get protection at work following landmark European Court of Justice case
The European Court of Justice today ruled that the laws which protect disabled people against discrimination not only apply to the person themselves, but also to their carer.
Carers deserve a better deal
Carers UK is delighted that USDAW is calling for radical reform of Carer’s Allowance. Caring can have a devastating impact on carers’ finances and one in five carers is forced to give up work, losing on average £11,000 in income.
New forum for employers to support carers in workforce
Employers for Carers is launching today (Thursday 12th June) as a new national membership forum offering a range of support from information on good practice to training and consultancy.
Carers UK's response to the National Strategy for Carers
“A significant step forward for carers, but leaves important questions unanswered”
Carers UK reaction to the Government’s National Strategy for Carers ‘Carers at the heart of 21st Century families and communities’, which was published today.
National Strategy for Carers - a summary of contents
On June 10th 2008 the Government published its National Strategy for Carers. The document is called "Carers at the heart of 21st century families and communities" and it includes a set of commitments and a ten year vision for what support for carers should be like by 2018.
Carers can't afford to be ill
Carers across the country could be putting their own health at risk by ignoring symptoms or not finding the time to visit their own GP for help and advice. The results of a new nationwide survey of 2,000 carers - reveal that more than three-quarters of those questioned (77%) feel that their health is worse as a result of the strain of caring (for many, up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Lobbying success. Government agrees new care commission will involve carers
Following lobbying by Carers UK, the Government has agreed to amend a new bill to ensure carers are listened to. The Health and Social Care Bill will create a new Care Quality Commission and the amendments will ensure it has regard to carers’ views and consults them alongside service users.
Caring with confidence : new programme for carers
Caring with Confidence, a new programme which will help carers make a positive difference to their life, and that of the person they care for, has today been unveiled.
Care charges risk leading older and disabled people into poverty, says new report
Rising care charges are putting older and disabled people at risk of not being able to afford to eat, heat their homes, wash or get essential support, says a new report published today (4 June) by the Coalition on Charging.
Telehealthcare Can Transform Health & Social Care, Says Leading Panel of Government and NHS Experts
National “Meeting Tomorrow’s Challenges” conference looks at how the latest telecare and telehealth technology supports integrated, person-centred care.
Telehealthcare has the potential to radically transform health and social care delivery and support the Government’s goal of providing integrated, person-centred care services within the community. This is according to a panel of leading healthcare experts, directors of adult and community services and the Local Government Association.
Carers views sought on direct payments
Carers UK is carrying out a survey to find out what carers think about direct payments.
Caring and a career? Not possible say carers.
Carers face a daily struggle between working and caring. New survey shows nearly half of those caring for an older relative or dependent agree that it is not possible to combine being a carer with a career.
Carers UK welcomes national debate on the future of care and support
Responding to today’s launch of an intense six month debate about the future shape of care and support services, Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK, says:
“Carers UK welcomes this major national debate in advance of the forthcoming Green Paper on the future of care and support, including the Prime Minister’s personal interest in this crucial issue.
Carers keep being counted
Carers of sick and disabled people have won their battle to keep a question on caring in the 2011 census. Treasury Minister Angela Eagle has today confirmed that money has been made available for an extra page of questions that had been under threat.
Carers urged to check council tax
With Council Tax bills for 2008 about to issued Carers UK is urging carers to make sure they are paying the correct amount. It is not widely publicised but some carers could qualify for up to 50% off their council tax bills.
Carers of disabled children win legal duty to breaks
Carers UK welcomes and congratulates the success of the Every Disabled Child Matters campaign in securing new legal duties on local authorities to help parents caring for disabled children by giving them breaks from their caring responsibilities.
Carers UK welcomes Select Committee inquiry into the DWP's approach to carers
Carers UK has welcomed the announcement of an inquiry into the Department for Work and Pensions’ approach to carers, which will cover information and advice, income and benefits, employment and training, equality and recognition.
Carers UK campaign round up
February 2008: A snapshot of our campaigning over the past few months and how it is making a real difference to carers' lives.
Don't let them con you
Carers UK is backing Scams Awareness Month - a new campaign to highlight the plight of elderly victims who suffer in silence. Scams Awareness Month 2008 is set to raise awareness of mass marketed scams, which cost the UK public £3.5billion a year.
Carers UK hails landmark case as millions of carers get protection at work
A carer has won the initial stages of her case at the European Court of Justice which could give new rights to millions of carers.
Background to to the Coleman case
Find out the background to the landmark case which could lead to new rights for millions of carers.
Care eligibility rules are 'inconsistent'
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) has published its annual report on the state of social care in England. The report says there are inconsistencies in how councils decide who gets help and how much they get.
Carers UK’s response to CSCI’s third annual State of Social Care Report 2006-2007
Responding to today’s report, Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK says: “Today’s report from Commission for Social Care Inspection highlights the harsh experiences of people who are not eligible for state-supported social care and the heavy strain that this places on families and carers."
Right Care Right deal - the right solution for social care
Two thirds of people won't put money aside for social care, according to new research. Leading charities launch new campaign on future of social care.
Carers tell Prime Minister “it’s time to deliver”
The Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Secretary of State for Health Alan Johnson today (Friday 11 January 2008) attended a consultation event in Leeds organised by Carers UK and the Department of Health
Carers UK welcomes Caring Choices report
Carers UK has welcomed the launch today of a new report, “The Future of Care Funding: Time for a change”, published by the Caring Choices initiative.
Carers UK backs ippr report
Carers UK has welcomed the launch today of ippr’s report: “Care in a new welfare society: Unpaid care, welfare and employment”.
Carers UK spells out its new social contract for carers
A ground-breaking new study released today (Wednesday 21 November 2007) by Carers UK sets out the design of a new social contract for care which would revolutionise the way care is delivered in the 21st century.
Carers UK reaction to the Queen's speech
Carers ask Gordon Brown for real change
Ahead of first Carers Summit, carers deliver thousands of letters to Downing Street demanding reform of carers’ benefits.
When caring comes to an end - new resource launched
Carers UK and Help the Hospices have today launched a new publication for carers whose responsibilties are changing.
Carers UK welcomes CSR announcement for carers
Carers UK today welcomed the Chancellor’s CSR announcement increasing social care spending and called upon Government to take stronger steps to ensure that the NHS treats carers as partners in care.[1]
Carers UK campaign round up
October 2007: A snapshot of our campaigning over the past few months and how it is making a real difference to carers' lives.
Carers UK at Labour Party Conference
Can we meet the costs of long term care? Carers UK took part in a 'fringe' event debate organised by the Caring Choices coalition about the future shape of the social care system.
Carers UK Believes Telecare is Key to the Future of Social Care
Leading UK charity outlines how telecare technology can radically transform and improve the lives of our six million carers, and those they care for.
Prime Minister's announces new standing commission on carers
The Prime Minister Gordon Brown has today announced a new standing commission on carers. Read an extract from his speech.
Carers UK response to Gordon Brown's announcement
Carers UK has welcomed Gordon Brown's announcement of a new Standing Commission on Carers. Read Carers UK's response.
Alison Steadman's appeal for carers
Award winning actress Alison Steadman has recorded a fundraising appeal on behalf of Carers UK.
Carers UK campaign round up
August 2007: A snapshot of our campaigning over the past few months and how it is making a real difference to carers' lives.
Carers UK statement on Breakthrough Britain
A Conservative Party think-tank has published a report called 'Breakthrough Britain' which contains a number of recommendations on how to support the UK's 6 million carers. Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK responds to the report findings:
Grant success set to help carers.
Carers UK is delighted to have been awarded a major grant from the Big Lottery Fund for CarersLine - our advice and information service.
Carers UK reaction to elder abuse report
Commenting on the UK Study of Abuse and Neglect, Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK said:
"This is the first in-depth study of elder abuse that has been undertaken and it challenges some of the prejudices that people have that domestic abuse stops when someone gets older.
New European movement for carers
Carers’ organisations are to lobby Commission and MEPs for greater support. Eurocarers – a new platform for carers within the European Union – is to be launched on Tuesday 12 June in the European Parliament in Brussels.
Relationships put to test under strain of caring
A new, in-depth survey of 3,500 carers has uncovered the negative impact that their role can have on the relationship they enjoy with their partner. Six in 10 of those questioned admitted that their sex lives had taken a back seat as a direct result of their caring responsibilites.
Carers urged to join new campaign
Carers UK is urging carers, their friends and families to sign up to their new campaign, Real change, not short change, to secure a better deal for carers from Government.
Carers being sold short
New Carers UK report, Real change, not short change, presses for full review of incomes and services for carers and their families
Carers UK campaign round up
May 2007 : A snapshot of our campaigning over the past few months and how it is making a real difference to carers' lives.
Carers UK welcomes funds for disabled children
Today Carers UK gave its firm support for a new announcement by Treasury Minister, Ed Balls, that £340 million more would be spent on disabled children.
Caring choices
Carers UK is supporting a coalition calling for a major public debate on the future of long term care funding. One in five of the UK population will develop long term care needs, yet the care system is still not fit for future generations, says the new 15-strong coalition.
Carers UK prepares employers for new workplace rights
New advice to help employers benefit from new law for carers.
Latest carers strategy must deliver real changes
In welcoming the announcement of new Government measures to improve support for carers, Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK stresses that this latest initiative must deliver real change for carers.
Failure to invest is widening inequality
Failure to invest in support for families is driving millions into poverty and, unless urgently reformed, will create new patterns of widening inequality and disadvantage that Britain can ill-afford. That's the message being delivered today by Sir Bert Massie, Chairman of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), and backed by Carers UK.
Breaks Bill needs your support
Carers UK is calling on all carers to support the Disabled Children (Short Breaks) Bill which, if passed, would give parents of disabled children the right to a break from caring.
Carers UK campaign round up
January 2007 : Find out what recent work Carers UK has been doing on the five key campaign areas that our members have said are important.
CSCI report 'The State of Social Care in England 2005/06' : what does it say?
CSCI (the inspectorate for social care in England) have published a report about the state of social care which says that councils are restricting social care services and it is families and carers that are having to take the strain.
"My respite care has been cut"
Carers UK trustee Linda Wisbach cares for her husband and is a part-time civil servant. She has seen vital services cut.
Special report : Cuts to local services
For many carers a few hours respite care is the only break they get from caring. Yet increasingly, callers to Carers UK’s CarersLine service are saying services for the people they care for are being cut back.
Expecting to be cared for
The British public expect support from social care agencies to enable them to live at home in the advent of a disability or long-term health condition, according to an Ipsos MORI survey commissioned by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), the Equal Opportunities Commission and Carers UK. However their expectations don't match the reality of social care.
Carers UK backs new Independent Living Bill
Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK hailed today's publication of the new Independent Living Bill has a vital step forward for disabled people's and carers rights and urged Parliamentarians to support this Private Members' Bill.