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Improving support for carers


Why is this important?


Improving support for carers is a key policy priority for the Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS). Carers of people with Parkinson's can face significant challenges getting the support and information they need.


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



Take action


Write to your local MP to ask them to support Carers Week 2009


Anne McGuire MP has tabled an Early Day Motion in support of Carers Week 2009 (8-14 June). You can ask your MP to sign Early Day Motion 1355


Early Day Motions are formal statements tabled by MPs to draw attention to specific events or campaigns. Other politicians then add their signature to the motion to show their support.


Find your MP on the UK Parliament website and write to or email them. Our sample letter (Word, 25KB) may help you.


For more information, contact Dave Clark at campaigns@parkinsons.org.uk or call 020 7963 9307.

 

Sign the Carers Poverty Charter


Carers UK has launched a campaign to reform carers' benefits and end carer poverty and is calling for people to sign up to support the Carers Poverty Charter. This will be presented to government and political parties later this year. 

 

Add your support to the Carers Poverty Charter

 


What the PDS is doing

 

Carers Week 2009


The Parkinson's Disease Society has become a member of the Carers Week Coalition for the first time in 2009. Carers Week is taking place from 8 to 14 June.

 

Responding to government consultations


The Parkinson's Disease Society responds to government and other consultations likely to affect carers.


View the PDS response to the government consultation on the future of care services in England – November 2008 (84KB)


View the PDS response to the Welfare Reform Green Paper 'No one written off' in PDF - October 2008 (86KB)


View the PDS response to the Work and Pensions Select Committee Inquiry into carers – April 2008


Download the PDS response to the Scottish Government consultation on respite care in PDF - January 2008 (60KB)



Further information


For information about the support currently available to carers please visit the advice section of this website, or download our Carer's Guide (PDF, 3.9MB)



Have your say


The PDS 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.



Contact us


If you are a carer and would like to make your views known, please email campaigns@parkinsons.org.uk or write to:


Social Policy and Campaigns team
Parkinson's Disease Society
215 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London SW1V 1EJ

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