Category Archives: health

£200,000 secured for 98 unpaid carers

A West Cumbrian charity has managed to secure £200,000 extra benefits for carers in the last 12 months.

Gillian Walker, carers benefit support worker for West Cumbria Carers, which have helped secure £200,000 extra benefits for 98 local unpaid carers thanks to their monthly clinics.

West Cumbria Carers has helped 98 people to claim the cash they are entitled to, thanks to its clinics, which provide free information on benefits.

Gillian Walker, the charity’s carers benefit support worker, said: “Navigating your way through the benefits system understanding entitlement and completing paperwork is complicated and time consuming.

Older women become primary carers during partner's final days, research shows

The role of the family is crucial

New research shows that older women are often the primary carers for their partner when they reach the end of their life.

More than 60% of informal care is provided by a spouse or partner – mainly women between the age of 35 and 64.

“Do something you love. Disabled or not, it’s good for the soul!”

Jenny Brownlees is a freelance fashion journalist and stylist. She has ME, and went through a lot of tough times to get where she is now. One thing she found helped her was to follow her creative heart. Here she talks about her experiences.  

I was 16 when I became unwell. Enjoying life and school, becoming unwell in my teenage years hit me hard. I was very creative both in and outside of school. Happiest in art and textiles classes when doodling, making a mess, sewing, designing, I was obsessed with ‘making’ in all its forms. I loved every aspect of fashion and art. It meant so much to me, and was a huge part of my personal identity.