Carers UK launches new guide for local campaigners

Often carers try to get things changed in their local services, such as extra breaks for carers, and better day-care for the people they care for, but sometimes hit barriers and can feel frustrated.  Maybe things seem to happen behind closed doors or 'the powers that be' don't take any notice of carers' needs.

Carers UK's new campaign handbook is designed to help carers make their case for change by giving tips for dealing with the media, lobbying local politicians and representing carers on local committees and boards.

The guide is based on carers' experiences.  All the case studies and many of the suggestions come from carers taking part in Carers UK's successful Equal Partners project.

Ghzala Ahmad, a carer campaigner who has taken part in Equal Partners found it "a really useful tool for carers, whether you're just starting out or need to know where to go next.  I loved the 3 key questions -
• Who makes the decisions?
• Who holds the budget?
• Who holds them to account?

All carers who are taking local action should memorise them! I wish I'd had the guide when I was starting to campaign for my daughter's care, over 10 years ago."

Carers UK's guide to changing local services was launched at the National Carers Summit by Don Brereton, carer and Chair of Carers UK who paid tribute to "the thousands of carers who challenge professional attitudes, have the courage to speak out to local media, or work with local authorities and other bodies to get things changed."

The guide is available to download - more....

Hard copies can be obtained from Carers UK's publications line: publications.email@carersuk.org