Improving support for carers

We know how important support for carers is. Carers of people with Parkinson's can face significant challenges getting the support and information they need.

Carers can also face barriers to staying in employment. And if people give up work to care, they often find that the benefits to support carers are inadequate and complicated to access.

Our 2008 members' survey found that only a third of carers were aware of their right to a carer's assessment. Only 11% were getting help from their local social services.

Ensuring that carers can gain both an assessment of their needs outside of their caring role, and access adequate respite, is a key theme of our campaigning work, including our Fair Care for Parkinson's campaign. 

In England there's a real opportunity to get social care reformed to benefit carers. We're working with 50 other charities to campaign to end the care crisis - and you can take action. 

Find out more about what we believe in our policy statement on carers' support.

Around the UK

England

The 10-year national strategy for carers in England was produced in 2008. The strategy was reviewed in 2010 and a 'refreshed' set of government priorities for improving carers' lives was published.

Recognised, valued and supported: next steps for the Carers Strategy promises more NHS funding for carers' breaks, training for GPs, more personalised support and help for carers to stay in work and education.

It's very important that the promised money reaches carers this time, as the NHS has a chequered history of how it has used carers' funding in the past.

Scotland

Scotland's Carers Strategy was launched by the Scottish Government in July 2010. It outlines support for carers, including young carers, for the next 5 years.

Wales

The Welsh Assembly has passed a law to make the NHS and Local Authorities in Wales work together on improving carers' lives.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland work is taking place to improve information, support and assessment of carers.

Carers Week

We were one of 9 national partners of Carers Week 2011 (13-19 June). Carers Week takes place every year.

There were thousands of events and activities throughout the UK, around the theme 'The true face of carers'.

Our responses to government consultations

We respond to government and other consultations likely to affect carers.

• Our response to to refreshing the national Carers Strategy in England (PDF, 190KB) - September 2010

In November 2009, we responded to:

• the Department of Health's Green Paper on social care reform, Shaping the Future of Care Together, as part of the Government's Big Care Debate
• the Health Select Committee Inquiry on Social Care

Support for carers

We provide information for carers, covering topics such as caring for someone with Parkinson's, looking after yourself, financial help and support, and employment issues.

• Carers' advice pages
• The Carer's Guide

We use the term carer to refer to all those who provide unpaid care and support for someone with Parkinson’s.

Share your experiences with other carers

Our website forum includes a carers, friends and family forum, a chance for you to talk to other carers about your experiences and share your views about the issues that matter to you.

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