Carers UK
@CarersUK
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Caring for a relative or friend? When caring affects you and your family Carers UK is here to provide the support and advice you need.
Joined March 2009
Our message to @Keir_Starmer is clear. Government must reconsider its welfare plans and #ProtectCarersBenefits. Carers are facing an unprecedented cut to their incomes. Support our campaign. Sign our open letter today:
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Today’s spring statement confirms Government’s plan to cut spending on carers' benefits by £500 million by 2029/30, the first substantial cuts to Carer's Allowance in a generation. We will be campaigning alongside carers to stop these devastating changes from going ahead.
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We thank @EdwardJDavey for raising with the Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer at #PMQs today the impact that the removal of the universal entitlement to Winter Fuel Payments will have on unpaid carers like Norman, who are over state pension age and will no longer receive the payment.
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The Carer’s Allowance earnings limit increase announced in the #AutumnBudget today is unprecedented. After years of our campaigning, we are pleased that working carers can now take on additional hours to earn up to £196 per week from April 2025, or over £10,000 a year.
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Thank you @EdwardJDavey for raising that thousands of unpaid carers are having to repay very substantial Carer’s Allowance overpayments to the @DWPgovuk at the first #PMQs today. Carers, who need and deserve better, urgently need to see reform of Carer’s Allowance.
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We are devastated to hear of the passing of Carers UK patron Johnnie Walker (@piratejw). Our hearts go out to Johnnie’s wife and co-patron Tiggy (@tiggywalker), all of Johnnie’s family and friends, as well as his huge army of @BBCRadio2 listeners:.
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We thank @EdwardJDavey for raising the Carer’s Allowance overpayments scandal and the Government's recently announced review with the Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer at #PMQs. We agree a fuller review into Carer's Allowance is needed and carers' voices must be listened to throughout
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Today our amazing Patron @piratejw is hosting his final radio show. We would like to say a massive thank you to Johnnie for soundtracking our weekends, and for his continued dedication to being such a champion for carers. ❤️. @TiggyWalker @Helen_M_Walker #BBCRadio2
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Steve Darling MP is asking an urgent question in the House of Commons this morning to ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if she will make a statement on the impact of changes to Personal Independence Payment on recipients of Carers Allowance.
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It's #CarersWeek - a time to recognise and support the enormous contribution that the UK's 6.5 million unpaid #carers make every day to their family, friends and communities
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Today #CarersRightsDay. Every year, this day helps us raise vital awareness of the work of unpaid carers and their needs, ensures carers are aware of their rights and lets carers know where to get help and support. Find out more here:
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Today is Carers Rights Day. Hundreds of events are taking place across the UK today to help #carers get the support they're entitled to. Let us know what you're up to and share your photos with us on #carersrightsday
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"Plainly, this is more proof of how devalued carers are.". 150,000 unpaid carers stand to lose their carers’ benefits by the end of the decade. Government must immediately reconsider their welfare reform proposals to #ProtectCarersBenefits.
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🎉 It’s official! People juggling paid employment and unpaid care will have a #RightToCarersLeave for the very first time. The Carer’s Leave Bill has received Royal Assent, meaning it will be the law for all employers in England, Scotland and Wales to provide carer’s leave. 🧵
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New research for #CarersWeek finds the physical & mental strain of caring is jeopardising unpaid carers’ ability to care in the future as over half of #carers in the UK said they expect their physical (58%) and mental (57%) health and well-being to get worse in the next 2 years.
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We're saddened to hear of the death of Derek Draper - our thoughts are with Kate Garraway and their family.
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📢 Today is #CarersRightsDay!. #CaringCosts carers. It costs them their finances, health, wellbeing, relationships & more. That’s why it’s so important carers know their rights and can get support. If you’re a carer, you can find sources of support here:
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Today is #CarersRightsDay! . It’s more important than ever that carers know their rights, so thank you to everyone who is getting involved to raise awareness. Find out more about Carers Rights Day on our website:
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We know that many unpaid carers are feeling worried and unsure at the moment. You can find all our guidance at We're updating this page as the situation changes and in response to the questions we're hearing from carers, so make sure to check back often.
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We are thrilled to have won Charity Film of the Year at the #CharityFilmAwards! Our short film, "Two sides of the story", is a fantastic tribute to all the unpaid #carers who took part or shared their stories in the making of it.
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Congratulations to our Director of Policy and Public Affairs, @HolzhausenEmily who's been awarded CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list for 30 years’ dedication to improving the lives of carers. Thank you for your continuing drive, tenacity & vision 🎉
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Our new research released today for #CarersRightsDay shows unpaid carers are providing care worth £530 MILLION EACH DAY of the pandemic, leaving many carers exhausted. We're urgently calling for Government to put in place more support for carers. Read more
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#CarersWeek 2023 is here!. It’s vital we come together to raise awareness of the huge challenges carers face and the support they need this week and beyond. Join us and get involved 👉
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Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind – just £76.75 a week. It needs to be increased ASAP. We gave evidence to @APPGPoverty about what changes need to be made to the benefits system for carers. In their report, they agree Carer's Allowance must be increased.
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Today’s #SpringStatement does little to address the huge challenges unpaid carers are facing. The government has once again overlooked unpaid carers for targeted financial support & there was no additional funding for social care. This can’t continue. Carers need more support🧵
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Sharing this powerful statistic on #InternationalWomensDay- every day in the last 2 years over 300 women have given up work to provide unpaid care for an older, disabled or ill relative or friend. We want to see #carers get the right to work flexibly and paid time off to care
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Today is #CarersRightsDay! Every day 6000 people become carers, yet many miss out on vital support. Our new report:
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Today Carers UK and the charities supporting #CarersWeek @CarersTrust @mndassoc @Rethink_ @oxfamgb have written to @BorisJohnson @Keir_Starmer and @EdwardJDavey highlighting the ongoing impact of pandemic on unpaid carers and the importance of breaks funding
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Thanks to Carers World Radio for highlighting the concerns of unpaid carers in today's UK Government Covid briefing. We look forward to seeing the Government's plans for identifying and contacting carers for the vaccine
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Government must reconsider these proposals and #ProtectCarersBenefits. Sign our open letter today:
Ed Davey mentions a carer who stands to lose £12k a year under the government’s cuts, asking “what does he expect them to do?”. Keir Starmer says reform is being brought forward to ensure the system works better. #PMQs
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Today is #CarersRightsDay! Good luck to everyone running an event or activity to help carers know about their rights and find out about what support they are entitled to. Let us know what you’re doing using #CarersRightsDay
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Our amazing Director of Policy and Public Affairs, @HolzhausenEmily is receiving her CBE today. “On behalf of the whole team at Carers UK I’d like to congratulate Emily in the warmest possible terms, and to thank her for her leadership, vision and dedication" - @Helen_M_Walker
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12,000 people in the UK become carers every day. That’s roughly 500 people an hour, and 8 people a minute. Our new #CarersRightsDay research reveals the huge number of people who become carers. It’s vital these people are identified, know their rights and can get support. 🧵👇
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This #CarersWeek we're thanking all those who fundraise, donate, and volunteer to make life better for carers. You’re helping #MakeCaringVisible. Add Your Voice to the wall, pledge your support, share your activities - or download your Get Involved Guide.
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This #WorldAutismAwarenessDay we're sharing Kim's poem 'The Autistic Avenger'. Kim cares for her teenage son Logan who has autism. Logan inspired her to write this poem which was highly commended in last year's @CarersUK poetry competition #carers
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Thank you to @kategarraway for shining a light on caring in #CaringforDerek. Over 1 in 8 adults in the UK are carers and looking after someone can be incredibly challenging. If you're a carer, or know someone who is, visit our website for help and info -
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📢 The Carer’s Leave Bill has passed in the House of Lords and is just one step away from becoming law!. This means millions of people juggling employment and unpaid care will have a #RightToCarersLeave for the very first time. 🧵
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Today we sent a letter signed by 5000+ people to Chancellor @rishisunak, calling for more support for carers. The Government must recognise carers in the Budget, by introducing a £20 week supplement for those on Carer’s Allowance. #FairerForCarers
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📢 The Carer’s Leave Bill has passed in the House of Commons!. This is a huge step forward to securing greater recognition, rights and support for unpaid carers in the workplace. The Bill now moves to the House of Lords. #RightToCarersLeave
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The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has not included unpaid carers in its priority list for the COVID-19 vaccine. We think carers should be included urgently - see our statement here:
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As it stands, 1.4 million people are caring - unpaid - for older and disabled relatives for more than 50 hours a week, & many can't work. They can't be expected to care round the clock and work too - clearly Government needs to invest properly in care services.
Hmmm. Priti Patel suggests there are 8 millon "economically inactive" in UK who business cd employ. But these are overwhelmingly the long term sick, students, carers and the retired.
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It's here! Good luck to everyone organising or taking part in events for #CarersWeek to get unpaid #carers connected to vital information, advice and support.
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Thank you to @EdwardJDavey for standing up for unpaid carers in parliament and asking what the government plans to do to provide more practical and financial support for carers at #PMQs today. It's essential carers get the support they need to care safely and well. #CarersWeek
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It's Carers Rights Day! A huge thank you to all those supporting carers by holding an event today. Remember to share what you're doing on social media using the hashtag #CarersRightsDay. We hope everyone has a fantastic day!
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We started the new year by highlighting the intolerable pressure unpaid carers are under on @BBCBreakfast . Unpaid carers desperately need more support to look after their own health and wellbeing. This and future Governments need to do much more.
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🧵 It's #CarersRightsDay, and we want to make sure you know your rights: today, tomorrow and in the future - so that you can get the support you need. Do you care for someone? Find information, support and guides about your rights on our website:.
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Our new #CarersRightsDay research shows long-term financial impact of caring. A quarter of people caring for over 15 years report they have been in debt as a result of their caring role compared with one in ten (12%) of those who’ve been caring for a year
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A massive thank you to @wendychambLD for bringing forward the Carer’s Leave Bill, which will give over two million unpaid carers a #RightToCarersLeave for the first time. Thanks also to all the MPs who supported this Bill, which passed in the House of Commons today.
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New research published for #CarersWeek finds that carers' biggest health worry is the impact of stress and anxiety on their health.
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Success! New carers’ rights firmly put into Health & Care Bill as MPs vote for amendment to ensure duty to involve carers at hospital discharge. Includes young carers of adults & guidance will be strengthened. Thanks to everyone who supported our campaign!.
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Our new research #CaringBehindClosedDoors found 81% of unpaid carers are providing more care due to the coronavirus outbreak. Read more about the impact of #COVID-19 on the millions of unpaid #carers here:
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“We’ve never really valued care or carers. We don’t treat family carers properly and don’t give them support when they’re struggling, and we don’t value care workers.”. Thank you @EdwardJDavey for raising the social care crisis in this powerful interview.
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40% of unpaid carers say they have given up work to care for a loved one. This #CarersRightsDay, we’re highlighting new legislation which gives carers the right to unpaid Carer’s Leave, helping them balance work and care. Make sure you know your rights:
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"Carers have sacrificed their own breaks from caring, their physical & mental health, reduced their working hours and limited their contact with the outside world in an extraordinary effort to keep relatives safe. They must be prioritised for the vaccine"
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2.6 million people in the UK have already left work to care for a loved one - the increasing number of #carers must be be supported to juggle their work and care. @HolzhausenEmily spoke to @SallyBundockBBC about the need for paid care leave in this morning's #bbcthebriefing
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“The biggest thing working #carers say they want is some understanding from their employer”. Madeleine Starr from @CarersUK and #carer Barbara on @BBCBreakfast, explaining the impact of caring and how #employers can help
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New #Census2021 data shows 1.5 million people are providing unpaid care for 50+ hours a week in England & Wales, 150,000 more than in 2011. Without carers, our health & social care system would collapse. Yet carers get little support. Government must step up. More detail 🧵 👇
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Many carers sharing their frustrations that "unpaid carer" is rarely an option when selecting employment status on forms and paperwork. Being forced to select "unemployed" is demoralising and minimises the importance of their caring role. #carersuk2020.
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We're dismayed that social care did not get even a mention in today’s #Budget2020, after the Govt’s promise to deliver a solution. As it is, families are under huge strain, and will be stepping up beyond what they already do in coming weeks. Our statement:
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As well as #CarersWeek, this week is also #MensHealthWeek!. 42% of the UK's #carers are men and their #caring responsibilities can have a big impact on their health #HWAlliance
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Share our infographic to spread the word about #CarersRightsDay on Nov 25th! Register now for free resources:
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📢 Today we’re launching our State of Caring survey 2023!. It’s vital that unpaid carers’ voices are heard. We’ll use what you tell us to raise awareness of the challenges carers face and campaign for change. What are your priorities? Tell us now:
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Carer’s Allowance is going up today to £76.75 per week, in line with inflation. Despite this minor increase, Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind and must be reformed by the government to ensure carers get the financial support they desperately need.
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We and @CentreForCare have done the sums and the value of unpaid carers’ support is worth a staggering £162 billion a year, without which our health and care systems would simply collapse.
An open letter signed by thousands of unpaid carers will be delivered to Downing Street later. @Richardm56, Trisha, @nelsabbey and @Ommasalma discuss how essential it is for carers to be given support.
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We need to make sure the government know the true extent of caring in the UK. If you care for someone, tick question 24 on your census form and help us ensure unpaid carers are officially recognised #CountCarersIn
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Today’s the day!. It’s #CarersRightsDay and today is all about recognising your rights. Read on to know what rights you have as a carer 🧵. Find out more information here:
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In July, we called on Gov’t to raise Carer’s Allowance to address the financial hardship many unpaid carers face #FairerForCarers. We're very disappointed to not get a response. Today, we've joined with 74 other orgs to restate our case. Find out more:
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The Carer’s Leave Bill has passed in the House of Lords and is on its way to becoming law 🎉. 💬 @wendychambLD explains why the Bill is important and how it will improve the lives of millions of people juggling paid employment and unpaid care #RightToCarersLeave 👇
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Given the rising costs carers are having to meet during the pandemic, we're deeply disappointed that the Chancellor didn't use his Statement to acknowledge the financial strain on unpaid carers and increase Carer’s Allowance. Read our full statement here:
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“I claim Carer's Allowance, but 60 something pounds a week to care for someone 24/7 is not enough”
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📢 The Carer’s Leave Bill has passed its Second Reading!. This is a huge step forward in securing a #RightToCarersLeave for millions of carers juggling paid employment and unpaid care. Thank you to @wendychambLD for bringing forward this bill and to everyone who’s supported it.
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Unpaid carers are at the sharp end of the #CostOfLiving crisis. Our new report reveals the huge impact the crisis is having on carers, pushing them into poverty. The government must fix this. Here’s how 👇
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Today @RishiSunak completely failed to address social care reform at #Budget2021. Until there's long-term investment in social care and increased support for carers, life will only get harder for families. See our Press Release in full.
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Following the release of our #CaringBehindClosedDoors report, we're calling on the Gov to raise the profile of unpaid #carers, raise Carer's Allowance, increase testing & PPE for care workers and unpaid carers, and make care a priority. Join our campaign:
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We’ve just arrived outside Parliament prior to handing in our open letter to the Prime Minister at @10DowningStreet this afternoon!.@Helen_M_Walker
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We were pleased to see @EdwardJDavey raise the challenges unpaid carers have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in parliament today.
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Our new report with @CentreForCare reveals unpaid carers contribute £162bn a year to the economy in England & Wales. The value of care being provided is equivalent to a second NHS. And yet there’s a huge lack of support for carers in the UK, who clearly contribute so much.
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Carer’s Allowance is just £67.25/week. Its ineffective in preventing financial hardship. Today we alongside 74 other orgs again call on @theresecoffey and @rishisunak to raise the level of Carer’s Allowance so it's #FairerForCarers. Read our letter here:
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It’s so disappointing the government has today rolled back on its funding commitment to the care workforce. This decision to not invest the full £500m and tackle the care crisis properly will continue to pile immense pressure on unpaid carers. Many are already at breaking point.
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Our new analysis, released today for #CarersRightsDay, shows that two thirds of adults will provide care unpaid for a loved one at some point in their lives. You can read this crucial research here: @CircleShef @unibirmingham @sheffielduni @ESRC
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Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind – just £69.70 a week. Many carers on Carer’s Allowance are forced to cut back on food & essentials to cope with rising costs. In the #SpringStatement, @Jeremy_Hunt must commit to a full review & reform of Carer’s Allowance.
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Thank you @EdwardJDavey for raising our latest report on carers and the cost of living crisis at #PMQs, and the urgent need to raise Carers Allowance – it is essential that carers receive more support so they can manage the rising costs of living
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📢 The Carer’s Leave Bill has passed Committee Stage!. This is a huge step forward in securing a #RightToCarersLeave for millions of carers juggling paid employment and unpaid care. Thank you to all the MPs on the Committee who supported the Bill today.
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"Carers are vital in this fight against coronavirus so we need to protect them." Our CEO @Helen_M_Walker spoke frankly to @BBCNews about the concerns unpaid carers are raising with us around coronavirus and called for Carers Allowance to be raised
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Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind at just £67.25 a week. Today, we’ve been joined by 91 organisations in calling on @theresecoffey and @rishisunak to raise the level of Carer’s Allowance so it's #FairerForCarers. Find out more:
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📨 We’ve written to Prime Minister @RishiSunak with six other #CarersWeek supporter charities to call on him to act for unpaid carers now. Carers have been taken for granted for too long. It’s essential there is greater support and recognition for carers from the government.
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Today marks the start of National Grief Awareness Week. The impact of losing someone close to you can be devastating. Take a look at our advice, covering some of the emotional challenges as well as the practical aspects of dealing with a bereavement.
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The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 is now law!. Securing these new rights for working carers was the result of many years of campaigning and has opened up more possibilities for carers who are employed to stay in, or return to, work. To find out more:
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We know this is a very concerning time for unpaid carers, with many worried about how #coronavirus will affect their caring role. We’ve put together guidance for carers, including being prepared and information for working carers, which you can read at
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We'll be watching #Care on @BBCOne this Sunday at 9pm - hope it will spark a national conversation about the challenges unpaid #carers face and need for better support. To find out about the practical and financial support available with caring, come to
What do you do when you can't look after the woman who's always looked after you? @Sheridansmith1 stars in #Care, a moving drama about one woman’s determined battle to get the best care for her mother, alongside Alison Steadman & @SineadKeenan.
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On #carersrightsday we've published new polling showing the public hugely underestimate the number of #carers among their own friends and families. Read the news story at
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Carer’s Allowance is just £69.70 a week. It isn’t enough to cover the high caring-related costs many carers face, who need to keep their homes warm & vital equipment running. The #CarerPovertyCoalition is calling for a review of Carer’s Allowance as part of the #SpringStatement.
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1 in 9 people juggle working and caring. Supportive employers make a difference to carers' mental well-being @wmhd #WorldMentalHealthDay.
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We are excited to share that the Carer’s Leave Act should come into force on 6 April 2024!. Employers and carers should be aware of additional details published in the draft regulations which lay out the terms of the Act. Find out more:
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We’re so sad to hear the news that our amazing Patron @piratejw is stepping down from his radio shows. We can't thank you enough Johnnie for the years of entertainment you've provided and for your continued dedication to be such a champion for carers. ❤️. @TiggyWalker.
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Our Director Madeleine spoke to @SkyNews this morning about our #CarersRightsDay research showing two thirds of adults will likely become #carers and the urgent need for sustainable investment in our #socialcare system
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