What do carers really think?

With the government in the process of reviewing the national carers’ strategy by the Spring, it is vital that carers let politicians know what is important to them. And last week’s first national carers summit, organised by charity Carers UK, will certainly have provided some food for thought.

The 250 carers from across the country who attended the event demanded more support for former carers, better funding of care for disabled and older people, more support for families with disabled parents, and more support for carers who wish to remain in or return to work.

In addition, they voted:
• Reliable transport for disabled children and adults to and from hospitals, day centres, schools and activities as their top priority in relation to their demand for new policies on transport.
• More control for individual carers over the types of breaks they receive as their top priority in relation to their demand for a review of policy on carers’ breaks.
• Priority treatment for carers and support from the word go as their top priorities in relation to their demand for a new approach to supporting carers through the health service.
• Scrapping the rule that says you cannot receive carers’ allowance on top of a pension as their top priority in relation to their demand for a review of policies on carers’ benefits.

A final vote on priorities for the coming year revealed that carers’ top three pressing concerns are:
• Better services for disabled, older and clinically ill people
• Carers’ health
• Carers’ services

Tell us your views on carers’ issues and how best the government can improve their lot by emailing simeon.brody@rbi.co.uk