Eight carers from across North Warwickshire, Nuneaton & Bedworth and Rugby visited the House of Commons  on Monday 29 March 2007.  The group took a tour of the buildings including the house of commons and the house of lords.   Afterwards they met MP for Nuneaton Bill Olner and also MP for Rugby and Kenilworth, Jeremy Wright.  The carers were able to highlight the issues of carers and received a very warm reception.  Jeremy Wright also forwarded the carers a copy of the article he has written on carers which is available on his website.  To see the article, please click HERE.

International Women's Day was celebrated by the Women's Multicultural Centre on Saturday 17 March 2007.Guideposts took a stand at the event which was held at Edward Street Day centre.  During the event there was lots of information available for women including keeping safe and starting a business.  Alternative therapists were also on hand to revive refresh visitors.  Guideposts Volunteer Rashida Suleman and Service Manager Desiree Lambert were pleased to meet many carers during the event.

A multi-million pound package of support for carers was unveiled this week by Ivan Lewis, Minister for Care Services.

Formally launching details fo the Goverment's New Deal for Carers, Mr Lewis announced a range of measures including:

• £25 million to be spent on providing short-term home based respite care for carers in crisis or emergency situations in every council;
• £3 million towards the establishment of a national helpline for carers;
• A wide ranging review of the 1999 National Carers Strategy
• £5million to support the development of an experts carers programme

For more information see the Carers UK website at http://www.carersuk.org/Newsandcampaigns/News/1171999347

A delegation of carers  will be visitingthe House of Commons on Monday 26 March 2007.  The delegation will meet with local Nuneaton MP Bill Olner and highlight the new legislation which is coming into force in April 2007 which gives carers extra rights at work. The visit has proed very popular and all places have been taken.  It is hoped to repeat the visit before Carers Rights Day in December 2007.

The government has finally announced that carers will be entitled to request flexible working when the Work and families Act becomes law in April 2007.
 The Law will apply to all carers caring for a partner or relative, or anyone who lives with them. 
 Guideposts is pleased that the definition of ‘relative’ has been widened beyond what was first proposed, but  disappointed that those caring for friends, neighbours or more distant relatives who don't live with them will be excluded.
   
If you are thinking about changing your work pattern you should speak to your employer as early as possible in order to explore what opportunities might be available.  Bear in mind that, under the statutory procedure, the process of making a request and your employer considering it can take up to 14 weeks. For more guidance, call the Guideposts office for an information pack.  Tel:02476 385 888 or email us Here.

We need more Volunteers to join our Information Desk Team based  in the Cafe at Nuneaton!  The success of the cafe and the information desk means that we have many more people asking for information throughout the day. If you could spare a couple of hours per week to help carers and enjoy talking to people, we'd like to hear from you!  The role involves talking to people who come to the desk, handing out information leaflets and making appointments to see the Carer Support Workers. No experience needed, just a pleasant and helpful manner.   We will give you full training.  C