Local MP calls for assistance for pensioner carers
North Ayrshire and Arran MP Katy Clark has called for carers’ allowance to be paid to pensioners.
Sep 21 2012 by Ross Dunn, Irvine Herald
The MP tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament, calling for pensioners to be paid a carers’ allowance.
Carers allowance is currently withdrawn from carers once they’re eligible for state pension, with some pensioners qualifying for additional support, depending on financial circumstances.
Campaign to increase early diagnosis of dementia
A new campaign which aims to increase early diagnosis rates for dementia in the East of England by tackling the public’s fears of talking about the condition, has been launched.
By KIM BRISCOE, Health correspondent Friday, September 21, 2012
6:30 AM
The A Day to Remember campaign by the Department of Health is being backed by Sir Michael Parkinson, Fiona Phillips and Gordon Banks, who are all adding their support by asking the public not to delay talking about dementia.
Part of the prime minister’s Challenge on Dementia, the campaign will encourage people to have that first ‘difficult conversation’ with a friend or family member when they spot the signs and symptoms of dementia, and encourage them to visit their GP.
Terminally ill girl ‘faces benefits axe’
Alice Pyne, Terminally Ill Blogger Behind Alice’s Bucket List, In Benefits Row
20/09/2012 22:29 BST
Terminally ill internet star Alice Pyne has been told that her mother’s child benefit could be taken away unless she goes to college.
Alice, 16, came to international prominence when a list of the things she wants to do before she dies was posted on the internet last year.
Alice and her sister Milly, 13, from Ulverston in south Cumbria, also received the British Empire Medal this year for services to charity after raising more than £100,000.
The spokesman said although he could not give specific details about Alice’s child benefit payments, her case was now being investigated by the HMRC and her parents are being contacted.
“We are contacting her parents just to find out what the circumstances are in this case,” he said.
