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.

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.

Carers Week 2010

We are a national supporter of Carers Week, which takes place every year in June. The theme for Carers Week 2010 was 'A life of my own'.

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

Take action

Ask your MP to show support for carers

Use our simple online form to email your MP and ask them to support carers

We're asking MPs to sign Early Day Motion 14 to show their commitment to major reform of the care and support system to benefit carers.

MPs from 4 parties came together to put this forward as one of the first motions in the new UK Parliament.

Improving the lives of carers - send us your views

We would like carers who live in England to take part in a Government consultation looking at the national carers' strategy.

The 10-year national strategy for carers in England was produced in 2008. The strategy is currently under review and the coalition Government wants to hear views on what form of carer support should be a priority over the next few years.

We'd love to hear your views to help us submit our charity response. Please email our Campaigns team on campaigns@parkinsons.org.uk or call 020 7963 9307. Our deadline is Monday 6 September 2010.

Or you can submit your views directly through the Department of Health website. The deadline for direct responses is 20 September 2010.

Our responses to government consultations

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

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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