John Ley, who started the petition, spoke to BBC Three Counties Radio at just after 8am on Monday 4th January.
We have joined forces with unpaid family and friend carers to campaign for unpaid carers to get the same priority for the COVID-19 vaccine as paid health and care workers and you can get involved too by signing a petition.
We have set up some relaxed coffee break style sessions for unpaid carers to join in with online via Zoom so they can have a chat with other carers over a drink and need not feel alone. New dates have been added to March 2021.
We'd like to wish you season's greetings. If you would like information or support related to your caring role over the festive period we are there to help if you need us. Our Carer Support Advisors are working as usual Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) and despite the recent Government announcements we have some light-hearted activities planned on Zoom - a trivial pursuits quiz on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, a yoga taster (29th December), and carer catch ups on various days, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Hertfordshire County Council have offered their guidance on care home visits from the perspective of both carers and care homes.
Residents in part of St Albans are brightening up their neighbourhood and raising money for us by unveiling festive-themed window displays each day until 24th December as part of a living advent calendar.
We put the spotlight on unpaid family and friend carers and caring on Carers Rights Day (26th November 2020) and held a range of events online to give carers the chance to find out about their rights and financial support, take part in an art workshop, and even lobby MPs and representatives from Hertfordshire County Council and the NHS for improved services and assistance.
Unpaid carers that receive Carer’s Allowance will continue to be paid the Allowance if they have a temporary break in their caring role due to either them or the person they care for self-isolating or being infected with coronavirus. Plus emotional support will also count towards as part of the 35 hours of care a week requirement.
