Salford carer, Justine's, visit to Parliament

My visit to Parliament for Carers Week, by Justine Mallinson-Ward

Last year, during Carers Week, I was invited to Parliament by Age UK, to an event organised by Carers Trust. I was joined by two fellow unpaid carers.

We had the opportunity to speak to MPs regarding social care, the care system, and how it affects unpaid carers and families.

Each one of us had at times a sorry story to tell. We discussed our caring roles, the impact on our own health and wellbeing – none of which was down to the actual act of caring for our loved ones, but due to broken systems and services that time and time again would let you down…

The NHS, care companies, finance departments, social workers… the system as it stands doesn’t work.

The general consensus between the three of us and the discussions we had with MPs were all aimed at conformity, consistency and a service that was fit for purpose; one that would meet everyone’s needs.

Personally I would love to see:

Nationalisation of care practices.
Standardised training across the country for carers and care companies.
Every local authority working within the same remit and using the same systems. (Why should it be a postcode lottery?)

Responsibility and culpability are vital when things don’t work.

Change has to happen.

The one thing that kept me sane through the years looking after my mum was the support I received from charities.

Empowered Conversations and the Empowered Connector team, who worked alongside Age UK Salford are a group who deliver dementia communication training and 1:1 support where carers can chat and offload about their day-to-day challenges. They also run groups and introduce carers to fellow carers; shared experiences are invaluable. However, this service isn’t available to all areas and again shows the disparity of support available.

Gaddum provide support for unpaid carers in Salford and Manchester. They offer advice, free events for carers and are invaluable in pointing you in the right direction for additional support. Their support is massively important as they give you the feeling, you’re not alone.

I’ve also taken part in coproduction & engagement opportunities at Gaddum charity to positively shape services for carers, including recently being filmed about my experiences of hospital discharge.

I have no regrets ever for looking after my mum. I just wish that services could have been perfect for her, which would have eradicated some of the unnecessary things she had to endure.

Many unpaid carers have to give up work to care for their loved ones and lose pension contributions. These are all factors not really considered by the government. To know how bad it can be at times: you have to walk a mile in a carer’s shoes. Caring for mum was hard, but incredible and rewarding too. I would do it again in a heartbeat. By banging the drum, perhaps it’ll make it a little easier for the next generation.

Below are some of the MPs we had the opportunity of speaking to: