Over 10,000 People Back Campaign For Carer Breaks Following One-Of-A-Kind Protest
More than 10,000 people have signed a petition demanding the UK Government gives unpaid carers the legal right to a break, following a one-of-a-kind protest outside Parliament.
The petition, set up by national charity Carers Trust and Uncommon Creative Studio, calls for carers in England to have a right to access properly funded replacement care and a break away from their caring role. Signatures surged past the 10,000 mark in a matter of days and the campaign is now backed by more than 12,000 people.
The petition was launched on 22nd July – just before MPs headed off for recess – in a unique protest which saw carers holding up placards in their living rooms and kitchens saying what they’d do if they had time for a break. It made the point that they can’t protest in person because they’re too busy caring.
Films of eight carers holding up placards, along with pictures of scores of others, were broadcast on giant LED screens mounted on vans which drove around Parliament.
The protest was created by Uncommon Creative Studio and national charity Carers Trust. The petition will remain open for signatures until it is handed in to the Department of Health and Social Care next month.
A survey of unpaid carers in England has shown two-thirds (67%) said even planning a holiday feels like a pipe dream, while 60% reported feelings of burnout. Almost 1 in 3 (29%) rarely take a respite break, with 1 in 7 (15%) admitting they never take a break from their care duties.
Kirsty McHugh, CEO of Carers Trust, said:
“We’re delighted that over 10,000 people have already added their voice to our petition. This shows just how urgent the issue is. Carers are exhausted and face relentless demands, often having to give up their jobs to look after those family and friends. Despite this, they don’t get nearly enough support in return.”
“The UK Government now needs to listen to the British public and ensure carers are able to take a break from their caring role. If they don’t, many more will face burnout which will only heap even further pressure on our struggling health and social care system.”
Duncan Clark, Creative at Uncommon Creative Studio and part-time carer, added:
“I’ve been a carer for 15 years, but am fortunate enough to not only be paid, but able to take holiday, and return home after my shift has finished. I have endless respect for those who dedicate their lives to supporting those they love, but I’m really frustrated at the lack of support they are given by the Government”
“Unpaid carers aren’t asking for much – our research found that if they had some more time off, 44% would just want to get outside for a walk. This protest demands Government attention for unpaid carers, at a time when it feels like the whole country is getting a break, apart from them.”
