Category Archives: ukcuts

Carers hit out as lifeline support service is cut by 75 per cent

May 20, 2013   Carers, mental health, ukcuts

WEST NORFOLK: Carers hit out as lifeline is cut

Published on 20/05/2013 10:00

 

Carers say they are saved from depression by a “lifeline” support service which is losing 75 per cent of its funding.

West Norfolk Mind is looking at ways to maintain its carers support service after Norfolk County Council is slashing its budget.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) called for carers to be routinely screened for the signs of depression last week.

The charity has seen funding for the carers service go from £60,000 to £15,000. It supports 70 people who are caring for relatives with mental health issues.

Chief executive Eddie West-Burnham is calling on the county to take note of the RCGP’s comments.

He said: “For some carers, our service means everything. Some say they would not be able to carry on without the support.

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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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Disability benefit assessments 'unfair', says ex-worker

May 17, 2013   benefits, Carers, disability, ukcuts

16 May 2013 Last updated at 17:27

Disability benefit assessments ‘unfair’, says ex-worker

By Sophie Hutchinson BBC News

 The fit to work tests were introduced in 2010 and have proved controversialA doctor who worked for the private company which assesses people for disability benefits says its methods are “unfair”.

Greg Wood, a former Royal Navy doctor, resigned from Atos earlier this month, after working as an assessor for two-and-a-half years.

He told the BBC the system was “skewed against the claimant”.

But Atos Healthcare says it submits “clinically justified reports” and completely rejects Dr Wood’s claims.

Atos, which has been criticised in the past by disability campaigners and MPs, carries out work capability assessments (WCAs) on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

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