As Autumn arrives we reflect on the Summer and the amazing members of our community who we have been lucky enough to meet, including an inspiring young lady called Susan*.  She has cerebral palsy, is non-verbal and uses eye-gaze technology to update MyLiferaft  – read her account here – a truly amazing individual!

CARERS UK – State of Caring Report 2019

“A Snap Shot of Unpaid Care in the UK”

During the Summer, Carers UK issued their State of Caring report based on information given by over 7,500 unpaid carers, most of whom provide over 50 hours of care every week – sometimes whilst holding down a paid job.  Other startling facts include:

• 68% of carers are using their own income or savings to cover the cost of care
• 39% say they are struggling to make ends meet
• 53% are unable to save for retirement

To read the full report click here. 

We believe that by helping the carer, we help the person they are caring for and vice versa. MyLiferaft achieves this by becoming a personal assistant for everyone. Both the carer and the person they are caring for can add and share information as needed to regularly keep everyone updated. You can also monitor progress, details of what is working and what’s not, when you last visited a doctor and what medication you are taking etc. MyLiferaft enables you to contact people directly from the contact area, if you need support, access a host of resources and much more.

If you are caring for a child or an adult, click to learn more about the positive impact MyLiferaft can have on your life and theirs.

If you know someone who is a carer and you would like to give them a helping hand, why not let them know about MyLiferaft.  All they need to do is log on to our website and click on the Try Now button.  There are no hidden catches, no payment details needed and it will make the world of difference.

Online News

Throughout the Autumn, we are going to be using our online channels to raise awareness of several different charities and conditions that may affect our community. To keep up-to-date, click to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Linked In.

• September – Childhood Cancer, Ovarian Cancer and Pulmonary Fibrosis
• October – Breast Cancer, SUDEP Action, ADHD Awareness, Mental Health and Dyslexia

We also use these channels to pass on stories, information and other support networks that we think you would find interesting and useful.  If you have a story to share please get in touch.

Family Information Services

If you are a parent, then you may have come across your local Family Information Services (FIS), but if you haven’t, then check them out as soon as you can!  Several of the MyLiferaft parents have used their local FIS as they provide a wealth of knowledge, expertise and links to services all aimed at supporting families: Family Information Services

• Local childcare services; both paid for and funded.
• Family Centres offering child-based activities,many of which are free!
• Local places of interest such as National Trust properties, leisure centres, cinemas and clubs etc.

FIS also provide what is nationally called the Local Offer which provides additional services for families where there is a child with special educational needs.  MyLiferaft can be found on many FIS around the country including:  Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, West Berkshire,  Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Sheffield, Isle of Wight and Cornwall.

We love nothing better than a good excuse for cake!  Join the MyLiferaft Team on Friday 27th September in support of Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

Thank you to everyone in the MyLiferaft community for your continued support.

Regards

Nicola Murgatroyd
CEO & Founder of MyLiferaft