Category Archives: Carers

Pamper day for carers

October 17, 2012   Carers

Carers are appreciated

CARERS' EVENT ... from left, Maria Laben, Pat High and Sheila Stephenson.CARERS’ EVENT … from left, Maria Laben, Pat High and Sheila Stephenson.

Published on Tuesday 16 October 2012 10:00

A CHARITY’S headquarters was turned into a mini-health spa to give people, who spend their time caring for others, a treat.

Age UK South Tyneside in Beach Road, South Shields, opened its doors to 15 carers who were given the star treatment.

The event, organised as part of South Tyneside’s Older People’s Festival, was aimed at showing how much those who look after others are appreciated.

During the day carers were treated to lunch, courtesy of The Red Hut chippy in Ocean Road, South Shields, as well as spa sessions, which included a free hand massage and mini manicure from volunteer Jean Turnbull and beautician Julie Murtha.

John Briers, chief executive of Age UK South Tyneside, said: “All of our events aim to raise awareness of the exciting opportunities available to over 50s to promote independence and increase social inclusion.

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Universal Credit: Disabled people 'to lose out'

October 17, 2012   benefits, Carers, disability

17 October 2012 Last updated at 09:19

Universal Credit: Disabled people ‘to lose out’

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson: “We want to bring to people’s attention how their benefits might change”

Up to half a million disabled people and their families stand to lose out under the government’s proposed Universal Credit, a report says.

The Children’s Society, Citizens Advice and Disability Rights UK say 100,000 households with children could have incomes reduced by up to £28 a week.

They are urging ministers to reconsider their plans.

But the government called the report “highly selective” and said it could lead to “irresponsible scaremongering”.

The Universal Credit will replace Jobseeker’s allowance, tax credits, income support, employment and support allowance – formerly known as incapacity benefit – and housing benefits with a single payment.

The system will be “piloted” in parts of north-east England next April and will come into force across Britain for new claimants from October 2013.

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Why digital exclusion is a social care issue

October 16, 2012   Carers, disability, mental health, Older care

As our society becomes increasingly digitalised, figures reveal a large proportion of those not online have a disability or are elderly

 

A large proportion of those not online are elderly.

Next year the welfare system will undergo an overhaul as universal credit is introduced. The benefit, replacing six others, includes a new requirement to apply for benefits online. With millions of people having never used the internet, however, it raises the question of how those not online will manage.

Universal credit is just one example of how, as our society becomes increasingly digitalised, those who are not online are at risk of becoming excluded. And it’s not just a case of people opting not to be online.

This year there were 3.91 million disabled adults who had never used the internet, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. This is just under half of the 7.82 million adults who had never used the internet. Ian Lyons, from the Shaw Trust, which supports disabled and disadvantaged people live more independently, says many websites are not accessible for people with a disability.

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