Helping balance caring responsibilities with work, education and health
To mark the start of Carers Week (6-12 June), Alison Johnstone, Health & Social Security spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, highlighted the findings of a survey showing that most carers in Scotland don't feel valued by their community.
The survey, for organisations including Carers Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support and the MS Society, also shows most carers have let a health problem go untreated, have given up work or reduced their hours, while many have been unable to progress their education.
Alison Johnstone, Health & Social Security spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, said:
"Carers are hugely undervalued. They provide a vital service to our society. Two million people in Scotland live with a long term condition and there are almost 800,000 unpaid adult and young carers.
"I'm pleased that one of the first acts of the First Minister in the new session of Parliament was to commit to raising the Carer's Allowance and to exploring an idea in the Scottish Greens' manifesto - the idea of a Young Carer's Allowance.
"Beyond financial support for unpaid carers and a real living wage for paid care staff, we must see investment in respite. This is a vital support service and it has been cut back despite the clear growing demand. By prioritising carers we can ensure they are better able to balance their caring responsibilities with their work, education and health."