Hastings and Rother Crossroads Caring for Carers

TO mark world Alzheimer's day, town MP Gregory Barker addressed Hastings and Rother Crossroads Caring for Carers' annual meeting.

He discussed the many problems faced by carers including ensuring a fair system of benefits for full time carers and ensuring their high quality of life.

He said: "Carers who try to fit in commitments to a job, or responsibilities to their family are trapped by the meagre provision of the Carer's allowance benefit."

Praising the work of the local group, he said: "The devotion and bravery shown by local carers is extraordinary, which makes the work of local charities such as Crossroads all the more remarkable."

Discussing these problems with Rosemary Iddenden, the branch manager of the Hastings and Rother Alzheimer's Society, he reiterated his belief that the system should represent "something for something" and the incredible work of carers should be met with government support to match.

Groups such as Crossroads and the Alzheimer's Society's work should be '"the icing on the cake of a well executed program of social welfare, not the mainstay of the solution."

Visiting Local Bexhill carers, Mr Barker expressed his admiration for their work and pledged his ongoing support.

With the aging population in our constituency, ensuring carers' quality of life has to be right at the top of our list of priorities.