Monthly Archives: May 2013

MP joins Lynda Bellingham on caring campaign

May 18, 2013   Carers, carersweek, ukcuts

07:00 Saturday 18 May 2013

Little Hadgham MP joins Lynda Bellingham on caring campaign

 

Written bySINEAD HOLLAND

LITTLE Hadham’s MP Oliver Heald has joined forces with Oxo mum actress Lynda Bellingham to celebrate the launch of Carers Week.

In a photocall at Westminster, The Conservative pledged his support to carers across his North East Herts constituency as part of the awareness campaign which will run between June 10 and 15, focussing on the country’s 6.5m unsung heroes.

Mr Heald said: “Every day across North East Herts, one in eight people will care for a loved one in some form. This hidden group of people give up their time, sometimes their jobs and often make life changing sacrifices to care for someone.

“Carers save this country an incredible £119 billion1 every year. That’s why I believe as a society we must be Prepared to Care for our carers. We are very fortunate to have Crossroads Care locally, which is an excellent support group.”

Read More

Caring MP meets carers

May 18, 2013   Carers, carersweek, disability

Westminster Life: Recognising carers who give so much

Rainbow Court in Paston

Rainbow Court in Paston

A few weeks ago, it was my privilege to attend the Peterborough Deafblind Club monthly meeting at Rainbow Court in Paston to listen to the views of club members and meet both them and their carers, most of whom were interpreters too. I always get a warm welcome and my marching orders from the inestimable Peter Skivington MBE, who is a great advocate for deafblind people.

This week the campaign to raise awareness of Carers Week  which this year begins on 10th June through to 16th June, came to Westminster. It’s about celebrating and thanking these dedicated people in our community.

Carers are the unsung heroes of our public services, providing unpaid care by looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend or partner. Carers give so much to society yet as a consequence of caring, they experience ill health, poverty and sometimes discrimination.

Read More

Family carers are important and need to be heard

May 17, 2013   Carers, Depression, mental health

Carers group backs calls for depression screening

 

The new Deputy Mayor amd Mayoress of Sunderland, Stuart amd Marie Porthouse help staff at Sunderland Carers centre to celebrate their first anniversary.

Published on 17/05/2013 12:06

CALLS to routinely screen carers for signs of depression have been backed by Sunderland Carers’ Centre.

The Royal College of General Practitioners last week claimed one in every 20 patients being seen by GPs is a carer, while 40 per cent will experience psychological distress.

They warned GPs must work harder to ensure the UK’s “invisible army” do not neglect their own health and that early warning signs of mental health issues, as well as physical conditions, are identified and treated.

Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, gave her support to the proposals, which Sunderland Carers’ Centre say gives them a chance get more carers the help they need.

Graham Burt, chief executive officer at Sunderland Carers’ Centre said: “We know caring for someone can have a big impact on a person’s mental and physical health.

Read More