Paul Burstow MP responds to carers

6.00.00pm GMT Thu 20th Nov 2003

Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary Paul Burstow last night [19 November] said that there needed to be more practical and financial help for carers.

Mr Burstow was responding to questions from carers in the chat room at www.carers.org - the biggest online community in the world for carers.

Issues discussed last night included overlapping benefits and how more financial help was needed for carers. Mr Burstow said that he wants carers to be recognised more fully in financial terms and by social services and the NHS.

"Everyone who is over pension age who is a carer should receive the carers allowance," Mr Burstow said.

Carers described to Mr Burstow some of the struggles they face on a day-to-day basis with small amount they get for the carers allowance, not being able to have flu jabs and worrying about leaving the people they care for in the hands of paid carers who might not have the necessary experience.

Alison Ryan, Chief Executive of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers said: "This was an excellent opportunity for carers to put their questions directly to an MP.

"Carers need to have a voice too, and having MPs in the chat room is an brilliant way for them to give their opinion and provide information directly to elected representatives about the needs of carers."

The chatroom operates as a virtual support mechanism for carers and has dealt with issues such as abuse, suicide and bereavement. It also provides the opportunity for carers to get some of their questions in hosted chats.

Ester O'Sullivan, Website Marketing Manager for www.carers.org, said "The chat room provides the opportunity for serious issues that affect the lives of carers to be discussed and it also a place where carers can go for just a chat and a laugh with people in the same situation."