Carers Allowance Uk

Carers' Week: Hail the unsung heroes

Ahead of a national Carers’ Week, reporter Kate Liptrot speaks to Jackie Chapman, who has been a carer for most of her life.

AT the age of only nine, Jackie Chapman began her life-long role as a carer for her family.

When her mother fell seriously ill after giving birth, Jackie was left to bring up the baby, a boy, as well as her brother and sister so her father could continue to work.

She went on to care for her seriously-ill mother-in-law, her parents and then later, to nurse her husband for 12 years.

Now 72, and the chair of the York MS Society and a member of York Carers’ Forum, Jackie said that while she has had a string of paid jobs, caring for others and the network of support she has built in the city have become integral to her life. But it was only when her husband, Ivor, died three years ago from emphysema that she realised just how important the network of friends was.

Jackie, who lives in New Earswick, said: “When Ivor died I could not have done without them. Everyone really rallied around and were there for me. It was great. A lot of them have been through what I have. They knew what it felt like to really be on your own.

“I often think there’s not enough support for people in those situations.

“I was going to move down south to be with my family but then I realised how many friends I would be leaving behind and I decided not to.”

Jackie is urging people who may feel they are in a similar position to join the York Carers’ Forum and to visit events being held next week as part of Carers’ Week.

She said: “The people who give their lives, unpaid, to look after their loved ones, are the unsung heroes.

“It’s hard work being a carer. Your social life goes out the window. Money can be tight. You don’t go out very much.

“But you have to look on the other side of it – life is not all doom and gloom.

“What’s amazing about York Carers’ Forum is that we have all got the same problems. I would encourage people to come along next week so they can meet people. By talking to someone you realise you are not alone – there are people going through it who can help you. The network is out there if people want it.”

• MS café in Oaken Grove Community Centre in Haxby from 10am to 5.30pm. All welcome.

• Phone York Carers’ Centre on 01904 715490, enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk, or visit yorkcarerscentre.co.uk for further information.

WILLOTT CALLS FOR ACTION ON CARERS ALLOWANCE – Freedom Central

Jenny Willott, the MP for Cardiff Central and Co-Chair of the Lib Dem Parliamentary Committee on Work and Pensions, has drawn attention to the potential impact on carers of changes to disability benefits.

The Government plans to increase the amount of time a person must have a disability before they are able to claim the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the replacement for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), from 3 months to 6 months.

This could have an effect on people who give up work to care for a disabled relative, as they will not be entitled to Carers Allowance until the cared for person receives PIP.

During oral questions to the Department for Work and Pensions yesterday, Jenny Willott asked the Government to consider allowing carers of people with sudden onset conditions such as cancer or stroke, to have early access to Carers Allowance.

Commenting Jenny said:

“Both DLA and PIP are intended to support the long term disabled, so it is right that there should be eligibility requirements for claiming these benefits. However, people who give up work to care for seriously sick or disabled relatives should not be penalised.