MPs speednetworking event

Uniting Carers members meet MPs at a speednetworking event at the House of Commons

Kate Harwood and John Sprange from Uniting Carers and Joy Watkins, Development Lead, Uniting Carers met MPs at a speednetworking event at the House of Commons on Monday 13 June during Carers Week.

The event aims to increase MPs understanding of the lives of carers and gave carers a chance to explain the challenges they face. Carers had just minutes to discuss their experiences with each MP and to describe what their lives were truly like. Carers discussed how their lives could be improved through better support, recognition and advice.

Kate Harwood, who carers for her husband with dementia, says:
"This was a really great opportunity for MPs to hear first-hand about our lives as carers. It was an opportunity for me to talk about my particular situation and my needs.

Almost every MP wanted to know what single thing would make a difference to my life. I said that there were many things but that a single point of contact throughout the process, such as an Admiral Nurse, would make a difference and help us find our way through the fragmented services. More respite time is also definitely needed.

Most of the MPs who came were interested. Some had direct experience of caring for a relative, some genuinely had little information and wanted to hear our stories and experiences.

I really enjoyed taking part in this event and I have really learnt a lot - and I hope the MPs have too!"

Take part in the Your MP, Your Voice campaign

What support do you need? What do you think needs to change? Let your MP know about your concerns as a carer and the issues that matter to you and your family. More information

Visit our Flickr stream for more photos from the speednetworking event

Left: Joy Watkins, Paul Blomfield MP and Kate Harwood

Left: Joy Watkins and Peter Aldous MP