14 December 2009 

Carers from across Perth & Kinross had the opportunity to speak up for their rights as part of National Carers Rights Day last Friday.

The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre (Perth & Kinross), a service which is part of the charity PKAVS, hosted an awareness-raising event for local politicians. 

Ochil & South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks was on hand to hear carers' views about financial entitlements and suport and respond to concerns.

Representatives from Welfare Rights and the Department of Work and Pensions were also in attendance to advise carers on how to maximise their income.

Similar events took place across the UK to raise public awareness of carers' poverty in the run-up to the general election.

Speaking after the event Gordon Banks MP said:

"Carers play a very important role in society and it's important for politicians to take on board the concerns they raise.  Providing care for friends and relatives is no easy task and we need to ensure we have a system which both supports carers financially but also allows them to maintain their own life through appropriate respite provision, good support services and access to education and training."

"It was really useful to hear from Carers about their own challenges and concerns and I will be able to raise these with Ministers in the Department for Work and Pensions.

“Carers of all ages need access to the relevant support packages to help them provide the care as in doing so they save the country a huge amount of money.”

“Education and training is also an issue that needs reviewed as it cannot be acceptable to make it harder for carers to access education whilst carrying out their caring role.”

“I heard many concerning stories, particularly for those who care for people with acute physical and mental conditions, and I'm glad that PKAVS can offer such comprehensive support to these carers.  But I also heard some really uplifting stories of those carers who find their vocation very rewarding."

"The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre and PKAVS organised an excellent event and I was delighted for the opportunity to speak with several carers and support organisations in an effort to better understand the challenges facing them both."

 For further information on support available for young or adult carers living in Perth & Kinross, contact staff at the Gateway on 01738 567076.