Caring magazine 46 Caring July 2017 | Page 3

Welcome In this edition of Caring we focus on recognition. The importance of recognising ourselves as carers, and the importance of being recognised by others in our vital role. In our lead feature, Carers Scotland committee member Marie McWaters, explains how help and support opened up when she finally realised she was a carer, 20 years after she began looking after her husband. Together we can all make a difference here. Marie is now raising awareness of caring online and in her local community. It is great to see so many Carers UK members helping other carers get advice and information quickly, making the most of opportunities such as Carers Week (p11) to reach out. The research we published for Carers Week this year showed that 74% of the public think carers are not sufficiently valued. As carers, we feel this keenly and we are determined to create a world where carers are respected, valued and supported. Our mission is to make life better for carers: I’d like to thank every single one of more than 7,000 of you who shared your experience of caring in our State of Caring survey (p16). We have used the research to share the shocking truth that 1 in 4 carers has not had a single day off in five years. I am sure you will raise your voice with us to call for change and better protection of government budgets for respite care. My thanks also go to everyone who voted on the proposed updates to our governing documents. The votes were overwhelmingly in favour of the changes, which I explain in more detail on p14. We’re now in the process of seeking up to five new Trustees. If you have the skills and experience to take on a Trustee role, or know of someone else who has, I’d love to hear from you. David Grayson – Chairman In this issue... 4–7 We give expert advice, information and support We connect carers so no one has to care alone We campaign together for lasting change We innovate to find new ways to reach and support carers. JOIN US! To become a member of Carers UK T 020 7378 4997 E [email protected] KEEP IN TOUCH Carers UK 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX T 020 7378 4999 E [email protected] carersuk.org Carers Scotland T 0141 445 3070 E [email protected] carerscotland.org Carers Wales T 029 2081 1370 E [email protected] carerswales.org 12–17 Worth A movement recognising for change Carers passports Post-election priorities 20 A carers guide: Recognition Carers Northern Ireland T 028 9043 9843 E [email protected] carersni.org Carers UK Adviceline T 0808 808 7777 E [email protected] Carers UK is a charity registered in England and Wales (246329) and in Scotland (SC039307) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (864097). Registered office: 20 Great Dover Street, London, SE1 4LX. © Carers UK July 2017 3