United Carers for dementia

Uniting Carers for dementia

Uniting Carers for dementia was officially launched on August 10th 2005 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. A national network of carers, former carers, family and friends, its aim is to harness carer support for the work of for dementia.

Two guests at the carers event at Hatfield.

Two guests at the carers event at Hatfield.

Members of Uniting Carers for dementia are committed to using their experiences of caring for someone with dementia to make a difference to the lives of others by:

Campaign to 'Keep counting carers' has been won!

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The important role of family carers is often not recognised and help not always offered or available. Carers therefore by necessity have to become experts, gaining valuable knowledge and skills.

Demonstrating at the House of Commons 2006.

Uniting Carers for dementia offers the opportunity for those that have been affected by the experience of looking after someone with dementia to work together to make a real difference.Your experiences can have an impact by increasing the understanding of the needs of people with dementia and helping to improve the provision of support that will enable carers to continue caring.

“Carers have no recognition in society. When you ring to arrange insurance, and the question of occupation arises, there is no appropriate box to tick.

I am not unemployed ... I object strongly to that. I work extremely hard ... but this work has no apparent value".

Cheryl Hudson speaking to Peter Luff

Cheryl Hudson spoke at the launch of the Admiral Nursing service in Worcestershire. She is caring for her father, who has dementia. Peter Luff MP listened to Cheryl's views about the poor service her family had received and agreed to take the issue seriously.

Carer Jean Tottie speaks out at London Conference Nov 2007
Jean Tottie whose father has dementia speaks about the impact of dementia on carers and particularly working carers. Although she is an expert in the care of older people with 35 years working in health and social care she describes her frustration and anger at the obstacles put in her way and how hard it has been to get the help and support she needed.

Working together to have an impact.....
In July 2007 a group of carers, family and friends in Worcestershire held a cream tea garden party in aid of for dementia. They had planned and prepared for all eventualities, marquees and gazebos were lent, plants, clothes, books and bric-a-brac were donated and an amazing team came together to ensure its success. The sun shone, many people came and a very special afternoon was enjoyed by all. Amazingly over £2,550 were raised and presented to for dementia. We would like to really thank them for their hard work and creativity.

If you would like to have your own event and have some questions about how to approach it, do ring us at the number below to find out more.

Your understanding of the needs of people with dementia and of the needs of carers can influence on so many levels. Policy makers and professionals providing services for those affected by dementia are increasingly willing to listen to the experiences of carers. Other carers can feel less isolated and learn from hearing your stories, barriers and fears can be brocken down.

Ultimately the aim of Uniting Carers for dementia is to raise awareness,and to increase peoples understanding of dementia. Also to improve the quality and range of services provided for everyone affected, including those that provide so much care and support.

There are many ways you can get involved and you will be able to give as little or as much time as you feel able to. Many carers find it has been both healing and empowering to be able to share their experiences and to work together so that others may benefit.