Holding an event

An event can be a useful way to focus attention around a particular issue. For example local events are the cornerstone of Carers UK's big awareness raising campaigns such as Carers Week or Carers Rights Day. If you have a particular issue you are campaigning on locally, an event can be a good way to get interest from the press, public and politicians.

Ideas for Action

Campaigning carers groups have done the following

• Hold public meetings and debates - Invite your local MP, a speaker from Social Services and other influential people locally to the discussion.
• Hold an Information Day.  Involve other local charities, advice agencies, Social Services -Put up displays and information in public spaces  Ask your local GP surgery, hospital, supermarket, shopping centre or library if you can put up a poster or have an information stall.

In 2003 a carers support group called SNAC, in Port Talbot, arranged for local MP Hywel Francis to speak to carers at their centre on Carers Rights day.  The previous day Dr Francis had been drawn in second place in the MPs’ ballot for Private Member’s Bills, and following discussions with local carers at their event he decided to introduce a Bill to help carers.  The same day he telephoned Carers UK, and the eventual outcome was the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004.