Tag Archives: carersweek

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.”

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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.

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Hidden carers miss out on £1,000s in benefits help

June 28, 2012   Cancer, Carers, charities

Guy Anker
News Editor

Many on low incomes who care for loved ones or friends are entitled to over £3,000 a year in the carer’s allowance alone, plus the fact they’re in that position may trigger eligibility for other benefits.

Related MSE Guides

Benefits Checklist

5 mins check-up to get what you’re entitled to

Grant Grabbing

Free cash if you’re on a low income

Mental Health & Debt Guide

Free booklet for depression, bipolar & anxiety

There are approximately six million carers in the UK. However, huge numbers don’t claim.

Benefits charity Elizabeth Finn Care estimates 300,000 people who are eligible do not claim carer’s allowance.

Other non-financial support is also sometimes available from local authorities and charities to those who ask for help.

Cancer charity Macmillan says over a million people caring for someone with cancer miss out on vital support, which may go beyond straightforward state handouts.

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