It's time to support carers (Carers UK virtual protest 2010)

About It's time to support carers (Carers UK virtual protest 2010)

It's time to support carers!

When illness or disability strikes it comes as a shock to find out just how little support is available. Every year 2 million people in the UK start looking after a family member or friend. Many will pay a high price for the care they provide - no money, no breaks, no life of their own and a constant battle for support. Some are pushed to the point of collapse.

We need to turn around a system that only provides help when people reach a crisis. We need to improve a benefit system that pays you just £1.52 an hour to care for your relative, well short of the minimum wage of £5.73. (and even less than that if you're retired, disabled or on a low income)

As a General Election approaches we want to tell politicians it’s time to support carers. Many carers feel strongly about their situation but because of their caring responsiilities they are unable to take to the streets and protest. We're compiling a photographic record that will stand as a record of a "virtual protest" that shows how carers feel.

Take a photo and add to our protest.

1. Take a look at our gallery of photos to see what carers have said they want.
2. The theme is "what do carers want?". Write your slogan on a large piece of paper. Be creative! Make it colourful and original.
3. Take a photo of yourself holding up the slogan. You can be on your own or with the person you look after.
4. Tip for a good photo : Standing in front of a plain background will make the slogan stand more.

http://www.carersuk.org