Connect with other carers: carersuk.org/forum
something went a bit wrong,
I knew there would be a
financial burden coming
and either we had to try
to find some funding from
somewhere or find money
within the family.
I now volunteer as a carer
representative for the
local health and social
partnership and I blog as a
carer. I think the more we
feel empowered to speak
out about our experiences
as carers, the more people
might understand what we
do. There’s still such a long
way to go before we can
feel valued by society.
In North Ayrshire we have a
Carers Appreciation Card. It’s
been great for those times
where you need assistance,
but just don’t feel like
explaining your situation, yet
again. It’s a photo ID and
states that I am a registered
carer. It entitles me to
discounts on practical things
like car maintenance, hair
cuts and exercise classes
“I honestly
feel anything that
raises awareness
of carers and
recognises our
worth is crucial in
changing society’s
perception of
the role”
and fun stuff like cinemas
and restaurants. It’s a wee
bit of extra support and a
wee thanks, too.
I think just feeling
A passport to recognition
Carers UK is working in
partnership with Carers
Trust on a project to produce
a Carers Passport toolkit,
complementing existing
schemes across England
and driving more hospitals,
employers, education
providers, mental health trust
and community organisations
to set up new schemes.
@carersuk
/carersuk
It is not enough for a
Carers Passport to simply
identify a carer. A Passport
must also set out how that
recognition translates to
enhanced support. Whether
that’s open visiting hours,
discounts, involvement
in decision making, or
preservation of flexible
working arrangements.
appreciated for the work I
do as a carer has given me a
boost and made things that
little bit easier. It’s brilliant
that local businesses are
supporting carers with
discounts. Ideally, I’d like
to see pharmacies and
large supermarkets come
on board as I think that
could really make a positive
impact on our finances.
Anything that raises
awareness of carers and
recognises our worth is
crucial in changing society’s
perception of the role.
Thanks to over 1,700 of
you who shared your
perspectives on Passports
earlier this year.
Those of you who have
had a Passport told us
how it prompted greater
recognition and openness
about your caring role.
The toolkit will spread this
recognition further when
we launch it this autumn.
Watch this space!
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