Health bodies fail carers

Tuesday 13 October 2009

Mencap responds to the alarming new research carried out by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care, highlighting that local health bodies' are neglecting carers.

Esther Foreman, campaigns manager at learning disability charity Mencap, said: 

"Earmarking money for carers is pointless if the money doesn't get to those who need it. 

"Mencap's research shows that 8 out of 10 families caring for people with a learning disability have reached breaking point as a result of not getting the help and support they need.¹ 

"We want to see more and better short breaks for carers so they can have a break from caring and enjoy a normal family life.  A failure to do this is a breach of human rights and a false-economy."

Notes to editors

For further information please contact Lucy Hannagan, Mencap media office, lucy.hannagan@mencap.org.uk, 020 7696 6017

Footnotes:

• 1. Breaking Point - Families still need a break, Mencap, September 2006. www.mencap.org.uk/breakingpoint

• Mencap works with people with a learning disability and their families and carers.
• 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability.
• A learning disability is caused by the way the brain develops before, during or shortly after birth. It is always lifelong.
• Learning disability affects someone's intellectual and social development all their life. People with a learning disability find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate.
• People with a learning disability don't get an equal chance in life. Mencap fights to change laws and services and to provide better access to education, employment and leisure facilities, supporting thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they want.
• It is not a mental illness and should not be confused with mental health issues. It is not dyslexia or Asperger's syndrome.
• It used to be called mental handicap but we don't use this term anymore because most people with a learning disability find it offensive.
• For information about learning disability issues please call the Learning Disability Helpline (England) on 0808 808 1111 or visit www.mencap.org.uk