Caring magazine 45 Caring Apr 2017 | Page 3

Welcome As carers we help our loved ones get the most out of life. However, our own lives matter too, and every so often we simply need a break Our Ask the expert column (p10) explains routes to respite care and other break options, so getting time away feels more manageable. In our lead feature we meet carers who recognised their need for a break and refused to take no for an answer (p4). Our Carer’s Guide to Getting organised with professionals (p8) is full of useful tips to help us get what we need. Our mission is to make life better for carers: so please complete the State of Caring survey (p16) to share your experiences. We’re looking to share experiences in a different way through our creative writing competition, this time with a brand new photography competition running alongside it. Your words have already taken readers to the heart of what caring is about. We hope your photography can draw in an even wider audience (p12). Many of us will know all too well that getting a break can feel like a lottery, where our chances are determined by postcode, by income, by family networks, by the age or condition of those we’re caring for. Changing this is one of our top campaigning priorities. Finally, I’d like to draw your attention to the enclosed booklet explaining Carers UK’s Governance Review. We are asking for your support to implement some vital changes. Will you cast your vote to help make these changes happen? Our policy and campaigning work is built on your insight, David Grayson – Chairman With best wishes. We give expert advice, information and support We connect carers so no one has to care alone We campaign together for lasting change We innovate to find new ways to reach and support carers. JOIN US! To become a member of Carers UK T 020 7378 4997 E [email protected] KEEP IN TOUCH Carers UK 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX T 020 7378 4999 E [email protected] carersuk.org Carers Scotland T 0141 445 3070 E [email protected] carerscotland.org In this issue... Carers Wales T 029 2081 1370 E [email protected] carerswales.org 4–7 Breaking good Finding time for yourself 14 What can technology do for you? Solutions for carers Carers Northern Ireland T 028 9043 9843 E [email protected] carersni.org 22 I care James’ story Carers UK Adviceline T 0808 808 7777 E [email protected] Carers UK is a charity registered in England and Wales (246329) and in Scotland (SC039307) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (864097). Registered office: 20 Great Dover Street, London, SE1 4LX. © Carers UK April 2017 3