Improving the lives of carers - send us your views

6 August 2010

Are you a carer of a person with Parkinson's? Do you have views or concerns about how you are supported in your role?

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. Now that strategy is 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.

How you can take part

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 responses is 20 September 2010.

What needs to change

Our members' survey, published in 2008, showed that:

• over half of carers report their health is worse as a result of caring
• just under half of carers were not receiving any form of break from their caring responsibilities, and even fewer had any emergency backup
• 7 out of 10 carers were not aware they were entitled to an assessment of their needs
• over a quarter of carers were worse off financially since becoming a carer
• carers save the UK economy £87billion a year in alternative care costs. Cutting support to carers will cost, rather than save money, as it may mean carers can't continue to fulfil their role.

What will happen with the submissions?

Once all evidence is collected, the Government will publish an action plan setting out how they will deliver that support.

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