Carers needing better support

May 16, 2012 — Wendy

Carers needing better support

Julie Hilling with Fiona Phillips at the launchJulie Hilling with Fiona Phillips at the launch

Published on Wednesday 16 May 2012 09:27

Bolton West MP Julie Hilling is calling for better support for the UK’s six million unpaid carers

Ms Hilling has teamed up with TV presenter and former carer Fiona Phillips to launch this year’s Carers Week (June 18 to 24).

The theme for Carers Week 2012 is ‘In sickness and in health’ recognising the strain families are under as they see services cut back. It calls for better financial and practical support for the diverse range of people who have caring responsibilities.

The Atherton-based MP said: “I am taking part in Carers Week to show my respect and appreciation for our carers. I want to let them know that there are services out there to help them. It’s important that carers know that they don’t have to struggle on alone.” (more…)

Posted in Carers, carersweek, family, health. Tags: , , , . No Comments »

Obesity Levels Could Be Cut With 20% Fat Tax

May 16, 2012 — Wendy

9:13am UK, Wednesday May 16, 2012

A 20% “fat tax” on unhealthy food and drink could help cut the number of people suffering from obesity and heart disease.

Such a move should be combined with subsidies on healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables, academics from bmj.com said.

The group released their findings ahead of the 65th World Health Assembly in Geneva where prevention and control of non-communicable diseases will be key issues for discussion. (more…)

Posted in Carers, health, Heart. Tags: , , . No Comments »

Experts Say Landmark Judgement Will Stop Benefit System Discriminating Against Disabled

May 15, 2012 — Wendy

Leading Lawyer Says Court of Appeal Ruling Confirms Government Has to Give Special Provision To Disabled People So That Human Rights Are Not Breached

May 152012

Press release

Experts at Irwin Mitchell have welcomed a landmark judgement handed down at the Court of Appeal today which they say sets out clear guidance to ensure that disabled people are not discriminated against by the Government’s benefit system.

Three families challenged the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (DWP) which stated that local authorities could not provide housing benefit for extra bedrooms needed by four young disabled people who were living in private rented accommodation. (more…)

Posted in Carers, disability. Tags: , , . No Comments »

Special needs budgets to be controlled by parents

May 15, 2012 — Wendy

The plans aim to create a more integrated and less bureaucratic system for children with special needs

By Sean Coughlan BBC News education correspondent

Special needs

Parents are to be given more financial control over support for children with special educational needs, in a major shake-up of the system in England.

The government says it wants to push ahead with proposals announced last year that parents should have a “personal budget” for their children.

The changes could also see fewer children in the special needs category.

Children’s minister Sarah Teather said the current system was “outdated and not fit for purpose”.

The government is setting out its response to last year’s green paper on special educational needs – which warned that too many parents felt frustrated with having to “battle” against the system. (more…)

Posted in Carers, special needs. Tags: , . No Comments »

Elderly care petition could go to Parliament after gaining 130,000 signatures

May 15, 2012 — Wendy

Campaigners for an overhaul of the elderly care system hope to trigger a debate in Parliament after collecting more than 130,000 signatures on a petition to David Cameron.

By , Social Affairs Editor

7:00AM BST 15 May 2012

The petition, supported by more than 50 organisations working with elderly and disabled people, demands urgent action to introduce a new system of social care.

It comes amid claims of “betrayal” after last week’s Queen’s Speech which included a commitment only to a draft bill to reform the system with no mention of how care should be funded.

A white paper is due in the coming weeks to set out some aspects of how social care could be reformed. (more…)

Posted in Carers, disability, elderly care, Uncategorized. Tags: , , , . 1 Comment »
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