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This very enjoyable conference looked at the challenges still facing carers and their public service partners in Northern Ireland. David McNarry MLA proved that we have committed supporters in Stormont. Professor Sue Yeandle from Leeds University offered some of the detailed evidence we need to build a case for better support. Paul Martin (Office for Social Services) and Pat Harkin (carer) offered insight into what social care can deliver for carers, and how current provision measures up. Finally we enjoyed drama from the Women and Family Health Initiative that made us laugh and cry.
We needed much more time for debate but some of the issues raised were the need for better information, more flexible support, less bureaucracy. ‘Carers should not have to fight for their rights’ was the call from the discussion groups. A full report is available by contacting info@carersni.org.
The best bits? We got nearly as many views as we did participants, but a few quotes sum up the day:
“As a professional we need continually reminded that we don’t just support our clients but the carers also. Today was a sharp reminder.”
“The best thing was meeting other people in the same position as myself – making new contacts”
“Really enjoyed last year’s conference but today exceeded my expectations.”
Check our ‘news’ section in the spring for details of next year’s event.