Author Archives: Maureen
Carer’s Celebration Day looking after unpaid carers and young carers
Wednesday 20 March 2013
A day to look after hardworking carers
THERE are 16,000 people in South Tyneside who are classed as carers, according to a census carried out last year.
Together, with others across the UK, they save the economy £119bn per year.
Yesterday, almost 200 people of all ages who give up their time to care for relatives, gathered at the Little Haven Hotel in South Shields for Carer’s Celebration Day.
The event, which has been running for the past five years – two years at the Little Haven Hotel – celebrates the work of carers and gives them a day of their own to feel special.
Protests: Carers and disabled affected by Benefit change
16 March 2013 Last updated at 18:32
Housing benefit change protests held
Protests have taken place across the country, including Manchester.Thousands have been demonstrating in a series of cities against government plans to cut housing benefit for those considered to have too much space.
Protests against the plan – labelled the “bedroom tax” by Labour – have been held in 52 towns and cities, including Manchester and London.
Organisers said between 12,000 and 13,000 people turned out.
The government’s welfare changes are due to come in in April and are expected to affect 660,000 people.
Those deemed to have a spare room in their council or housing association home will have their housing benefit claims reduced by £40-£80.
The protests’ national organiser, Éoin Clarke, said: “This is a cruel policy that primarily hits single parents, and the adult disabled.
“Even children deemed disabled but not ‘severely’ so, are affected. Carers, the terminally-ill, battered wives and husbands are all affected.
