Carer shares views with politicians
CARERS from Inverclyde say their concerns are being taken seriously by the Scottish Parliament.
Eric Baxter • Published 13 Oct 2012 14:00
Share this 
HELPING CARERS: Christina Boyd and Duncan McNeil MSP at the Carers Parliament.
CARERS from Inverclyde say their concerns are being taken seriously by the Scottish Parliament.
The first ‘Carers Parliament’ took place at Holyrood attended by carers from Shetland to Dumfries.
Greenock carer Christina Boyd said ministers, MSPs, senior doctors and heads of social work all listened to the challenges that are faced by carers who also outlined the changes needed to improve their lives and the lives of those they care for.
Ms Boyd said: “The Carers Parliament shows that issues facing Scottish carers are being taken seriously and it gave us a chance to tell the people at the top what really matters.
“We often feel ignored and think that politicians and professionals make decisions without considering our point of view.”
She added: “I hope the Carers Parliament will help to change all that.
Doing services differently report is launched
Scope and independent think-tank nef have launched a new report called Doing services differently: local innovations for disabled people. We hope it will spark a new conversation with and between councils and charities, on how we can work together to deliver the support disabled people want, in order to lead the lives they value.
Councils and charities alike are facing unprecedented budget cuts coupled with increasing demands for services. A big challenge for both sectors is to understand how services can support disabled people at a time when cuts are the main driver of change.
Winter drive to ensure vulnerable people in Norfolk stay warm
The EDP is backing the SurvivingWinter campaign
By Chris Bishop Saturday, October 13, 2012
12:38 PM
Fuel bills are going up yet again. But elderly and vulnerable people face a cold and painful winter because they cannot afford to heat their homes.
That is why we are asking the people of Norfolk to dig deep once more to help Surviving Winter – an appeal which does exactly what it says on the tin.
Parts of our region suffer levels of fuel poverty as high as Britain’s inner cities, with up to one in four households struggling to pay their bills.
