Macmillan Cancer Support welcomes the government’s announcement that it will implement plans to improve co-ordination between health and social care (Plans unveiled for ‘joined-up’ health and social care, 14 May). People with cancer and their carers are often being let down by the current system, particularly at the end of life. Although the vast majority of people with cancer want to die at home surrounded by their loved ones, most will die in hospital simply because joined-up care services are not available in their local communities.
Tag Archives: carers
Quarter of a million children provide care for others
16 May 2013 Last updated at 10:01
Young carers: Quarter of a million children provide care for others
Young carer Kelly, 17, says people like her need more help to cope with their responsibilitiesNearly a quarter of a million children in England and Wales are caring for a relative, new statistics just released show.
The Children’s Society warns that such young people could have their education and job prospects permanently damaged.
The charity says one in 12 young carers in England spends more than 15 hours a week caring for a parent or sibling, and one in 20 misses school.
New figures suggest 244,000 people under 19 are carers.
But the Children’s Society warns that number is likely to be “just the tip of the iceberg” and is calling for more government support and recognition for these young people.
