Monthly Archives: July 2016

Life on a low income in the UK today

Part of Solve UK poverty

Making ends meet when you have very little is extremely hard work. More than one in three families in the UK today – over two million families – have an inadequate income.

A new report by Loughborough University for JRF Falling short: the experiences of families living below the Minimum Income Standard looks at 30 families who are all living below the Minimum Income Standard (MIS). This is an income level determined by regular research asking the public what they think is required for an acceptable living standard in the UK today – including social participation as well as physical essentials. Some are managing to get by, but can’t imagine being able to stretch to a day trip or low cost family holiday. Others struggle to afford material necessities like food and school uniforms.

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‘Relaxing’ group offers carers ‘escapism from isolation’

Art as therapy and relaxation

By Grimsby Telegraph

Brushing up: Pictured during the art class at the Carers’ Support Centre, in Town Hall Square, Grimsby, are, from left, Rachael Williamson, art group facilitator, Mary Hoyles, carer, Hannah Salah, support development worker, and Christine Anderson, carer. Picture: Rick Byrne

PEOPLE who care for loved ones with long-term illnesses have turned to art as a way of escaping their day-to-day pressures.

Providing round-the-clock care for a relative suffering with conditions like Alzheimer’s can often lead to the carer becoming isolated and ignoring their own needs.

In a bid to tackle carer loneliness and stresses, a “relaxing” art group based in Grimsby encourages the sometimes under-pressure carers to forget their worries and immerse themselves in art.
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Shipley-based Carers’ Resource director says more still needs to be done

Fight for carers’ rights

Carers’ Resource director Chris Whiley

Kathie Griffiths, T&A Reporter /

THE boss of a Shipley charity says there still needs to be a greater understanding and recognition of carers, one year after the Government brought in an Act to boost their rights.

Chris Whiley, director of Carers’ Resource, the integrated carers’ service for Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, said the findings of a one-year-on review of the 2015 Care Act should now be used as a tool to further promote and fight for carers’ rights.

She was speaking after Carers Trust, the UK’s national charity for unpaid carers, asked carers if the introduction of the Care Act had impacted on support they received. In some instances, the review revealed carers who were unaware of the act and its implications on them.

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