What one small thing would improve the life of carers? Enter your suggestions in the box on the right or tweet them with the hashtag #carerswall. We'll put our favourites on the Carers Wall below and submit them to the government at the end of the week.
We need to get back to Council provided care services - agency care is purely for profit only
Alan, via CoverItLive
For people to see I have needs too, not just the person I care for
Lynn, via CoverItLive
For the govt to recognise that social care can start with family carers. Supporting them with finances and resources will free up funding for others.
Pam, via CoverItLive
Having school transport reinstated for my disabled son would improve my life greatly
Carer Watch member
I would like this government to actually listen to carers’ deep concerns for their loved ones, and stop the welfare cuts
malka, via CoverItLive
Reassurance from the Government that they will continue to help vulnerable adults and support carers
Bev, via CoverItLive
Regular direct payments for all
Liz, via blog
A proper wage for a proper 24/7 job would really help. Then I could care without splitting myself into pieces.
Guest, via CoverItLive
For me it would be stop trying to fix things, give them chance to work. It's hard enough being a carer without the goalposts constantly being changed
Helen, via CoverItLive
Government department to respond to questions, not ignore them
Carer Watch
Taking action to increase carers allowance would be a start.
Carer Watch member
I need a carers centre open after working hours.
Carer Watch member
Keeping our local Alzheimer’s respite home open would make life better for me.
Carer Watch member
My life would be better if local council provided support for moderate needs.
Carer Watch member
Social workers listening to me would make a difference.
Carer Watch member
Practitioners working towards a whole family approach by liaising with children's and adult care and PCT services.
Chris, via blog
My wife has dementia, we have no family, no outside support. Someone to talk to would help me
Tom, via CoverItLive
I need a little flexibility in my hours at work.
John, via CoverItLive
Saying "thank you"- goes a very long way!!!
Lesley, via Facebook
I need agency workers to be on time and stay for their allotted time too
Carer Watch member
Promised money for carers to actually be used for carers - not to fill NHS accounting black holes!
Charles, via CoverItLive
To supply "night respite service" so carer folks can at least get a good night’s rest! Between the hard days.
Dunton46, via twitter
To be acknowledged for the vital work they put into caring.
Jacqueline, via Facebook
Government department to respond to questions, not ignore them
KarenAspinall, via twitter
Proper recognition and greater understanding for young carers
WhoseShoes, via twitter
Saying thank you to a carer, a little goes a long way.
Mary Brady, via CareSpace
Some help would really help
masterpaul43, via twitter
Listening. Outreach. A lot of carers can't make carer's groups due to frailty/ill-health or because of their caring roles.
cb, via CareSpace
My life would be better if I did not have to repeat our situation as many times to so many 'professionals'
Carer Watch member
Better public awareness that 6 million of us - one in ten, has carer responsibilities
dragonmisery2, via twitter
I really don't appreciate it when "professionals" start spouting off reams of jargon that they don't expect us to understand to show off how much more they know
Caring Geek, via CareSpace
Having suitable respite available locally, not 45 miles away would benefit us greatly
Jacqueline, via CoverItLive
For all agencies to recognise the need for and support carers to have an agreed amount of time to themselves each day.
From responses gathered by Carers Northumberland
Sympathetic employers and truly flexible working
whispers, via CareSpace
Medical professionals to realise dragging feet on medical issues for cared one impacts on their carer, BIG TIME
onmybiketoo, via Twitter
Respect
Casdok, via Twitter
I'd like the Government to respect carers and stop treating us as invisible people that they can just trample over and ignore.
Patricia, via Twitter
Social workers that really listen. Not just to the words but to the non-verbal communication.
Caroline, via Facebook
For professionals to really take account of what is containted within an individual's person centred plan
Carrie, via CoverItLive
I chose to be a wife, I did not chose to become a carer. Please give me some affordable respite
Carer Watch member
There should be more awareness about organisations and support groups available to carers
Kiran11, via CareSpace
I need agency workers to be on time and stay for their allotted time too.
Carer Watch member
Legislation that is for the benefit of the cared for and carers and not the protection of the 'suits'
Wheyayehinny, via CareSpace
A proper wage that is not classed as a benefit payment.
mannymac1, via twitter
A listening ear over a cuppa
willowwoo via CareSpace