Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Paul Burstow MP responds to carers

November 20, 2003 6:00 PM

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."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Paul Burstow MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, Paul Burstow MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    paulburstow.org.uk/en/article/2003/012810/paul-burstow-mp-responds-to-carers-1
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    pb.lib.dm/a0vG

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image

    Print this page

  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Paul Burstow MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join the Liberal Democrats

  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Sutton and Cheam constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you agree, Paul Burstow MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Contact us by email, post, or phone