Bristol MPs have recently run surgeries for carers, which has proved to be an excellent way to take both local and national issues forward. More surgeries for carers are upcoming.
The first surgery was held at the Vassall Centre by Kerry McCarthy MP in August, where 6 adult carers and 2 young carers took part.
Kerry told us: “I was so moved by the experiences of the carers and the issues that they brought to me to take forward, that I’ve offered to run another surgery at Carers Support Centre for carers in my constituency this March.”
Thangam Debbonaire MP also ran a surgery for carers at Easton Community Centre in November; and Darren Jones MP ran a surgery in his Bristol North West constituency in January 2019.
Hilary, who had a meeting with Thangam, said, “Our daughter has to pay a considerable amount to the local authority towards her care. This is despite the fact she’s severely disabled and not able to work. Her only income is DLA and ESA. We raised this with Thangam Debbonaire who said that she could pursue the issue. We had to bring our grandson with us and she was more than happy to have her photo taken with us. A really positive experience.”
Next carers’ surgeries:
Bristol East, Kerry McCarthy MP: Friday 8th March, 10am-1pm at Carers Support Centre.
Bristol West, Thangam Debbonaire MP: date to be confirmed.
You can talk to your MP about all kinds of issues, such as welfare benefits, issues with social care, education for disabled children and housing. If you would like to book an appointment, please contact Caroline McAleese on 0117 958 9989. Also, do remember that you can contact your local MP at any time and you don’t have to wait for one of these specific carer surgeries.
This article appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of Carers News. Read more news for local carers: download Carers News.
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