Meet Ghazala: a carer from Coventry

What prompted you to speak up on carers’ issues?

I care strongly about my daughter’s quality of life, and therefore believe she can benefit from opportunities if I speak up and ask for services. Getting involved opens all kinds of doors locally.

What kind of reaction have you had when you have spoken out? Has anything changed?

My first television interview, for Central TV, was set up by Acorns [a children’s hospice in Birmingham] and focussed on the benefit of the respite they provide to families. Acorns managed to increase their funding and I now get respite every six weeks instead of three months… so you could definitely say it’s had a good effect!

Recently I was interviewed for local radio about my experience of being a carer.  I heard that new carers came forward afterwards. I think it’s important to do media work because it helps people find out about services and their rights.

How have professionals reacted when you've spoken up about your daughter's needs?

Some professionals have been prepared to listen and be more open when I’ve challenged things. Others will not budge. When this happens I always try another route. Recently my daughter was told she couldn’t do an ‘A’ level maths alongside her GCSEs at her school. She asked another teacher, who also said no, and asked someone else
who finally said ‘yes’. You’ve got to be persistent, and if something doesn’t work, try another tactic.

As carers we have to prioritise. We have so many things to deal with. It’s about focussing on what’s most important and will make the most difference.

What advice would you give to carers about getting involved in local forums, and speaking out?

You can be such a strong advocate for the person you care for and for carers. You are doing it to improve things for someone else, that’s such a powerful motivation.

It is a brilliant time to get involved. The Government says it is listening to carers, so now’s our chance! Members of the public often have no idea what caring involves until they become a carer themselves. You can reach them on an emotional level by telling your unique story, which comes from the heart.

You can read the full interview with Ghzala in the latest edition of our Equal Partners newsletter - more...

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