Scotlands Carers Parliament...

[marie66]

Hi Guys, Who is going to the Carers Parliament in Edinburgh on October 1st?
Just curious,
I got a wee place at the last minute! woo hoo! Just wondered if anyone here is going!
(((hugs)))
Marie x

[bowlingbun]

What's a Carers Parliament please?

[rosemary]

http://www.vocal.org.uk/help-shape-the- ... tland.html

x

[bowlingbun]

Sounds a great idea. Hope someone gives us some feedback in due course.

[poppett]

Hope you enjoy it Marie.

Are you close enough to commute or will you stay over?xx

[marie66]

It'll be an overnight as it's a 9 o'clock start at the Parliament and we're way down the other coast - south west coastal area!
Two Carers from each constituency have been picked to go along on the day and raise questions/issues or concerns.
Could be really good for us!
(((hugs)))
Marie x

[poppett]

Hope you enjoy yourself.

Do you have somewhere to stay? If not pm me and I will give you details of the B&B we use when we go for hospital appointments. Early breakfast no problem and on the bus route to the city centre.xx

[marie66]

Hi Poppett, I think Carers Scotland are arranging all the accomodation!
It was a thoughtful idea thanks!
(((hugs)))
Marie x

[Scally]

I got lucky in the draw, and I'm looking forward to it. No idea how it will go, but it is a great opportunity to raise the profile. And as it was our idea in the first place, let me treat you to a glass of whatever you fancy!

[marie66]

Hi there! Yes it has come out of the Carer led protests that were held hasn't it! Good for us who managed to get out there march and raise the banners!

Is there a dress code in the parliament - anybody know?
We're so pleased the way it's worked out! Our wee local group has 3 members going - our area straddles 2 constituencies - anyhow, we're thinking of wearing our three towns Carers T-shirts on the day!
Not being one for the booze - you can stand me a cuppa! lol
Marie x

[Eun]

No point in us going Salmond has already told us (in writing) when asked what his government were going to do for people like my son who are too old for children's hospices and not catered for in Adult hospices that 'there were no plans to provide any suitable respite for this cohort'. So that's his dad and I stuffed as carers when Rachel House introduce their cut off age then isn't it. When we approached the social worker he said they would give us a budget to purchase services but since there are NO suitable services to buythat would be a bit pointless wouldn't it?

Eun

[charles47]

I'd have thought that would mean that there's every point in going, Eun. Easy to turn down a letter. Harder to say it to a face, in public. Especially if you've hard evidence of what such a decision means.

[Myrtle]

I agree with Charles Eun. They all have to listen, not just Salmond if you tell them face to face with the backing of Carers behind you.

[Scally]

Yes, I'm with Charles too. Nothing will change if everyone stays at home, but the chance to progress carers rights and services from the Parliament building itself is too good to miss. The very existence of this event proves that our Carers Poverty Protest march has opened the door for us for further changes, and it is exactly the kind of problems that you are experiencing, Eun, that need to be addressed. There are very few people in your precise situation, which means that it is a fairly easy gain to ask for, costing a relatively small amount of money, but potentially making a massive difference to people who have to carry such a massive burden. As it happens I have very few personal complaints or things that would make my caring life better, yet I am angry and frustrated that there are still carers in poverty and/or receiving poor services. So the main reason I am going is to help ensure that all carers get the same kind of superb, flexible support that my family has received over the years.

[Eun]

Scally
That was exactly the SNP's point - there aren't enough people in my son's situation to make it financially viable to provide anything for them. If you get a chance would you be able to mention our situation for us? If not don't worry about it - I know you will have things of your own to bring up.

Last time we went to the Scottish Parliament it was for a showing of a film that a young man with DMD had made by travelling round Britain and interviewing young men who were living independently and those who were trying to but being denied because of where they lived. He also went to Denmark to interview two brothers (who are now my son's on line friends) who have been living independently for years. This showing was supposed to be for the MP's to raise awareness of the needs of our sons but no MP's turned up.

Eun