Dr Hywel Francis MP champions carers again
10th July 2012
Aberavon MP, Dr Hywel Francis joined forces with eleven other MPs and Carers UK to sponsor Barbara Keeley MP’s new piece of legislation designed to help identify and boost support for the 5 million carers across England.
Dr Francis said
‘I am proud to be associated with this Bill as I was in promoting my Carers Equal Opportunities Act 2004, carers make a massive contribution to our society – yet many only access support when they reach breaking point. This Bill would help ensure that GPs and hospitals are identifying carers and getting them support early, and also making sure that schools and colleges are identifying and supporting young carers who may be struggling to care for disabled parents.’
Dr Francis added
‘With an ageing population we also need to make sure we are planning for the future and delivering enough support for older and disabled people and their families. This piece of legislation would help councils to ensure there is enough support in their area to support people who need care and help their families who may be juggling work with caring. Whilst this is an only England Bill, Wales will benefit from its passing as it promotes rights which may in the future be adopted by the Welsh Assembly.
The Bill, drafted by national charity Carers UK, seeks to:
- revolutionise the way that local authorities plan social care services in their areas for people who by services themselves as well as those who rely on council social care services.
- focuses on ensuring the right services are planned and developed to help carers struggling to juggle work and caring for ill or disabled loved ones
- creates duties on the NHS, schools, colleges and universities to identify carers and signpost them to support and advice.