Following Primetime Investigates revelations about the effects of State cuts on the lives of family carers, the Carers Association has unveiled its ‘One Voice’ campaign. The organisation is urging Mayo’s 5,440 family carers to join it in the fight for a better life for family carers.
Primetime Investigates’ programme on The Human Price of Cutbacks conducted extensive research into the effects of cuts on family carers and found 68 per cent have been affected by reductions in the Carers Allowance/benefit; 17 per cent provide an additional 20 hours of care per week with cuts to home care services; 30 per cent had to wait three months for their carers payments to be processed; 43 per cent have had to give up work to provide care and, overall, 82 per cent have been affected by cutbacks in State services.
“We are urging people to join us to take action against further cuts to family carers and lobby for Government to complete and implement the National Carers Strategy. With at least 5,440 family carers in Mayo, a figure expected to substantially increase in Census 2011, we want people to join us to become one powerful representative voice to reverse cuts to carers,” says Eileen McNamara, centre manager, the Carers Association Mayo.
“As we have seen, many family carers are living on the breadline, in very difficult circumstances made much worse by State cuts. We are more powerful in numbers and ‘One Voice’ is our new membership campaign for carers and those who want to make a difference to the lives of family carers, to join us in the fight for a better life, entitlements and supports for family carers.”
Members of the Carers Association receive information and advice on rights and entitlements of family carers, needs assessed in-home respite hours, training, support, advice, quarterly newsletter, Take Care, with updates and access to the Members Privilege Programme with exclusive discounts on relevant goods and services nationwide.
Membership is open to family carers and those with a passion for helping support the work and lives of family carers, including friends, family members and health professionals. To join or contact the Carers Association contact Eileen McNamara, centre manager, The Carers Association, Curran, Achill, Co Mayo, on 086 377 5702 or visit www.carersireland.com
