Annual report 2006

Message from the Chair

Ever since carers set up Carers UK we have been seeking to transform the understanding of caring so that better support for carers is put in place. Undoubtedly the carers’movement has come a long way. It was only in the early 1970s that the term ‘carer’ made it into the dictionary and only in the mid-1990’s that the term carer became enshrined in law. Our son Sam, who has Down’s Syndrome, was born in the 1970s. Like most carers, we just accepted that he was part of our family responsibility. This was made easier by the abundant way he returned our love and care. As the years passed, Sam became more dependent on social services. We found that we had to fight hard both for him and also for our own role and needs to be recognised. We feel passionately that families in the future should not have to battle for such recognition and support.

Today Carers UK is making sure carers are at the heart of debate on areas such as work, pensions and health and social care provision. We’re not just concerned about the present. Carers UK is carrying a stark message to the government that in 30 years time the number of carers will need to rise from 6 to 9 million just to keep pace with the increasing numbers of frail, sick and disabled people in the UK. How can this demand for care be met when people are expected to have longer working lives? Carers UK is seeking to help provide the answers and set out what needs to happen to help society adapt to the changes ahead.

Don Brereton
Chair of Carers UK