Carers UK campaign round up

Poverty
Caring comes with a price. Many carers fall into poverty and suffer severe financial hardship as a direct result of caring.

What Carers UK has been doing

• We are carrying out a major investigation into the impact of caring on carers' finances. We are currently analysing over 3,000 detailed surveys sent in by carers.
• We've had a series of meetings with Pensions Minister James Purnell to make sure the Pensions Bill benefits as many carers as possible.
• We have published a new information leaflet for carers explaining about Carers's Allowance and Carer Premium.

Ill health
Caring can seriously damage your health and wellbeing - exhaustion, a bad back, stress, worry and depression.

What Carers UK has been doing

• In England, our campaigning has led to £5 million for carer training to help prevent back injuries and stress.
• We have published a new information leaflet for carers about the importance of breaks and how to get one.
• Carers told us about cuts to their respite care. We published an advice section on our website for carers who are affected by the cuts. We then launched a campaign, issuing a press release which led to coverage on radio and in the national press.

Employment discrimination
Carers wishing to work are often discriminated against because care services do not fit around their working lives and employers do not support flexible working.

What Carers UK has been doing

• We have launched phase two of our major campaign, Make Work Work, teaming up with the Department for Trade and Industry, British Chambers of Commerce and employers like British Gas to make sure new working rights benefit carers.
• We've targeted thousands of businesses to tell them about our free pack for employers that includes a DVD to show how supporting working carers is good for business.
• We have published a new booklet for carers letting them know about their right to flexible working and how to claim it.

Isolation and social exclusion
Caring can be an isolating activity and carers are at risk of missing out on parts of everyday life that others take for granted.

What Carers UK has been doing

• We have launched a new-look Carers UK forum - an online community where carers can talk to each other and offer support through the Internet.
• Our Back Me Up campaign was launched in 2005. Carers told us they felt trapped and isolated in their own homes, unable to travel for fear of what might happen if an emergency occurred. Thanks to the campaign, the Government announced in February £25 million for carer emergency respite in England, and the Welsh Assembly have committed an extra £1 million.

Recognition
Carers make a huge difference to society, yet have no real recognition or rights.

What Carers UK has been doing

• We have launched Manifestos in Scotland and Wales to make sure carers are an important election issue.
• We have joined a government working group to help shape the new National Strategy for Carers.
• We are organising consultation events with carers about the National Strategy to make sure their voices are heard.

 You can also read our January 2007 update more...