Caring families, officials and organisations working with them, came together on Friday 19th September when the Wolverhampton Carer Forum and the Wolverhampton Mental Health Carer Forum held their joint AGM at Beckminster Methodist Church Hall.They were joined by five Community Champions nominated for their commitment to care-givers and their families.

Mental Health Carer Forum Chairperson and Community Champion John Wright (pictured far left) spoke passionately, voicing his concern that: “The needs of family members suffering from mental illness were not being addressed adequately. Furthermore, arbitrary and often incorrect decision-making about entitlement to key benefits can lead to increased levels of anxiety affecting people who already struggle to cope with day-to-day activities.”

The message from Edward (Ted) Bagley, Chairperson of the Wolverhampton Carers Forum (pictured second left), was that: “Officials and City councillors must listen to and act upon the collective voice of family carers.” Ted highlighted a longstanding problem affecting inaccurate invoices issued to families using day-care facilities. The matter, which was first raised over two years ago, had still not been resolved.

The AGM was followed by a lively Carers Question Time session attended by Wolverhampton North East MP and Shadow Housing Minister Emma Reynolds. Ms Reynolds was accompanied by local prospective parliamentary candidate and former Member of Parliament Rob Marris.

Ms Reynolds, who also joined Wolverhampton care-givers at their last AGM, said: “The future of the care system is one of the most important issues facing our country. I fear the care system is in crisis and that carers, whether family members or professionals are not getting the vital support they need. Councils are being forced to restrict eligibility for support to those with only the most substantial needs, and unpaid family carers struggle with little or no help from the government.”

Mr Marris said: “I am particularly keen to do my bit to try to ensure that appropriate respite services are readily available. It’s the last that society can do in recognition of carers’ massive efforts to assist those less able than themselves.”

The event was organised and hosted by Omega care for life, a charity working across the West Midlands. Omega encourages talented family care-givers to raise awareness of the fact that caring is everyone’s business and that family carers represent a valuable community resource. Tom Memery, Development Director, said: “Most of us will either need care ourselves or care for a member of our family. Omega advocates greater investment in preventative measures, especially information sharing, self-help and peer-support.”

For more information contact Omega care for life:

Phone:                 0845 259 3163

Email:                                     

Web:                     www.omega.uk.net

Twitter:                www.twitter.com/omegachatterbox                     www.twitter.com/omegacare

Address:              Freepost RSGB-CYBY-HSCX, Omega, London House, Town Walls, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TX

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October 2014