The Big Question

If you had one new year wish, what would it be?

Jaya Kathrecha – Carer
As a carer I would like to have less stress about my finances and a more peaceful life. Carers’ allowance should be increased to an amount that carers can live on. If I was working full-time I could earn five times as much. Social services should also fund more breaks and leisure such as days out. Good and better health for those I care for would also help.

Shaun Webster – Change self- advocacy group
My wish would be for the government and social services to support parents who have learning difficulties and enable families to stay together. If parents and families were supported it would stop children being taken into care. Everybody should be treated equally and have the right to support.

Len Smith – Gypsy activist
I would like to see a structured and equitable response from the government to the “problem” of a lack of authorised sites for gypsies and travellers. It is good that a start has been made with instructions to councils to identify suitable locations. But much work still needs to be done to overcome the negative effects of the racist tabloid press.

Kerry Evans – Parent of two severely autistic sons
More thought should be given to the safety of children in care, school and hospital. For example, one of my children has just been in a modern children’s hospital and I noticed that there were unsafe railings. I complained and the hospital made the railings safer within two days. We -sometimes overlook safety issues.