Monthly Archives: June 2013

“Five minutes is enough.” says Dundee United legend's wife

June 29, 2013   Alzheimer’s, Carers, dementia, Scotland, ukcuts
Dundee United legend’s wife takes dementia campaign to Holyrood
By Jenny Thomson, 28 June 2013 8.03am.
  • Frank and Amanda Kopel.

The woman leading a campaign to get free personal care for people with early onset dementia is to make her case at the Scottish Parliament.

Amanda Kopel, from Kirriemuir, started her campaign after her husband, former Dundee United star Frank Kopel, 64, was diagnosed with the disease in 2009.

As he is under 65 his care is paid for by his family, at a cost of £400 a week, but Amanda wants a change in the law to see all those with the disease receive the same benefits.

She started a petition calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to raise awareness of the daily issues suffered by people with Alzheimer’s and dementia and to ensure that free personal care is made available for all sufferers regardless of age.

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£675,000 will help family carers cope in Renfrewshire

June 28, 2013   Carers, health, Scotland

New strategy put in place to help carers

Jun 27 2013 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

Council chiefs are putting up £675,000 to help carers look after their loved ones without sacrificing their own health.
The generous package has been earmarked for Renfrewshire’s 22,600 carers who themselves need support.
They often give up careers to look after relatives and Renfrewshire Council hopes the £675,000 will help them cope.

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Dead Darlington woman asked why she has not attended DWP appointments

June 27, 2013   benefits, Carers, ukcuts

Dead Darlington woman asked why she has not attended DWP appointments

6:00am Thursday 27th June 2013 in News By Joanna Morris

UNWANTED MAIL: Malcolm Pearse UNWANTED MAIL: Malcolm Pearse

THE partner of a woman who died in April has slammed officials for repeatedly asking to explain why she has not shown up for appointments with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

Darlington woman Patricia Howe, 48, died after suffering a massive brain haemorrhage in April.

Despite her partner immediately informing them of her death, the DWP continued to send Ms Howe letters.

Since her death, Ms Howe has been invited to attend appointments to discuss her claim for Employment and Support Allowance.

When she failed to attend, she received more letters demanding to know why she had not been present.

Malcolm Pearse, her partner of 14 years, slammed the actions of the DWP and said he had been left devastated by their incompetence

He said: “I told them the day after she died and they stopped her money straight away but they are still sending letters.

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