Tag Archives: ukcuts
The ‘forgotten’ carers battling to cope alone:
Almost two million are missing out on vital support because they do not consider themselves carers
- Nearly half of carers are worse off by £5,000 a year
- A quarter of carers have had to spend their savings to cover the costs
By Jenny Hope
|
Almost two million carers may be missing out on vital support because they are ‘under the radar’ of official figures, it is feared.
As many as 1.75million of the 6.5million Britons who have responsibilities for looking after loved ones do not consider themselves as carers, says a report.
They are therefore failing to apply for a range of help available to them from local authorities and the health service, as well as charities.
The demands of the role can affect their health and well-being as well as their finances, with nearly half worse off by £5,000 a year.
The report from the Scottish Widows think-tank the Centre for the Modern Family reveals almost one in three adults – 15million Britons – supports friends or family without financial reward in some way.
Most willingly do so and see the role as part of their family duty.
MP joins Lynda Bellingham on caring campaign
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.”
Disability benefit assessments 'unfair', says ex-worker
16 May 2013 Last updated at 17:27
Disability benefit assessments ‘unfair’, says ex-worker
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).
