News
News and information from Uniting Carers
Uniting Carers open the National Dementia Congress
Two members of Uniting Carers opened the National Dementia Congress in Liverpool this November to over 600 people.
Ann Noon, who cares for her husband with Picks Disease and Tom Wearden, who cares for his wife with vascular dementia, made a real impact when they opened the plenary session with two speakers who are living with dementia.
Both Ann and Tom (pictured below) spoke very powerfully and movingly. Ann talked about the difficulty of facing dementia when her husband was diagnosed at an early age and the vital support of her Admiral Nurse. Tom spoke about the loneliness of caring long term and how he has to deal with the daily loss of his wife who can no longer communicate. Tom had the audience laughing at his coping strategies and ended with a challenge for the Minster of State for Care Services, Paul Burstow MP, which went down very well with the audience.
Tom said:
I've talked about separating the job from the emotions. But, Minister, I ask you and all the healthcare professionals here today, to direct both your jobs and your emotions towards caring for the vast army of family carers.
We depend on your support, Minister. And please never forget - YOU depend on US!
Elaine McNamara talks about being a carer
Uniting Carers - Elaine's Story from Flexible Films on Vimeo.
Elaine McNamara is a member of Uniting Carers and cares for her husband Norms who has early onset dementia. Elaine shares her experience of being a carer and how dementia has affected their lives and talks about why it's important to speak out and fight the stigma attached to dementia.
Grey Pride petition - Campaign to appoint a Minister for Older People
Grey Pride is a campaign to petition the British government to appoint a Minister for Older People.
Despite making up 40% of voters, there is no government minister representing older people. As it stands, older peoples' issues are spread across various government departments. The campaign feel strongly that what is really needed is a single minister to prioritise the needs of our growing demographic, making sure that their views and interests receive the attention they deserve.
Over 51,000 people have already signed the petition which will be presented to 10 Downing Street later in the year.
More information about Grey Pride
Hardest Hit Day of Action - 22 October 2011
Join the campaign against disability benefit cuts!
Disabled people, those with long-term conditions and their families are being hit hard by cuts to the benefits and services they need to live their lives.
Take action this October
Protests are planned in cities including Edinburgh, Cardiff, Leeds, Nottingham, Brighton, Manchester, Newcastle and Bristol with more locations expected to follow.
Visit the Hardest Hit website for more details
Dilnot Commission briefing - a summary from Carers UK
Carers UK summarises what the proposals of the Commission on Funding of Care and Support mean for carers - including the cap on lifetimes care costs, raising the means-test threshold, national eligibility criteria and new advice and information strategies. Access their summary here.
Carers Week
Members of Uniting Carers were involved in a range of Carers Week events and activities including talking to the media and attending the Carers Week Reception at Downing Street and the MPs speednetworking event at the House of Commons.
The carers shared their experiences first-hand; how they manage on a day-to-day basis, the highs and lows and what support and services they need as carers.
Uniting Carer members also received good media coverage during Carers Week. Read the articles here
A few Uniting Carers members talk about their experiences of caring and what Carers Week means to them. Click here for more details
A huge thank you to all our carers who helped define The True Face of Carers
Pictured right: Barbara Stephens (CEO of Dementia UK), Jean Tottie (Chair of Uniting Carers) and carers Joye Manyan, David Upson and Helen Taylor with Prime Minister David Cameron at the Carers Week reception at Downing Street.