General Election Hustings events to give carers the chance to quiz candidates

Ahead of the 2024 General Election on July 4th 2024, we’re encouraging unpaid family and friends carers to raise awareness about the challenges they face and the support they need to the candidates – our future MPs and decision-makers.

To give carers the opportunity to engage with candidates we have organised hustings in three of the 12 Hertfordshire parliamentary constituencies. It will be a chance to ask questions, gain an insight into the candidates’ plans and priorities and discuss your issues and needs, particularly related to caring. The meetings are for the Hemel Hempstead, Hertford and Stortford and Hitchin seats.

The meetings, which will help us put carers on the map – the theme of this year’s Carers Week that ended on Sunday 16th June 2024, are as follows:
• Hemel Hempstead: At the South Hill Centre, Hemel Hempstead, on Wednesday 19th June 2024, 2pm – 3.30pm.
• Hertford and Stortford: At Ware Priory, Ware, on Friday 21st June, 2pm – 3.30pm.
• Hitchin: At Hitchin Town Hall on Wednesday 26th June, 11am – 12.30pm.

Roma Mills, our Policy and Engagement Manager, who has organised the meetings for carers to quiz candidates, said: “It’s important for carers to have opportunities to be heard and we do this through consultations, meetings and events like the hustings. These events offer carers the chance to hold future decision-makers to account and influence positive change. Carers can also raise awareness of the challenges a caring role can have on finances, health and wellbeing and employment.

We look forward to welcoming many carers to these meetings – which hopefully will assist them in deciding who to vote for in the upcoming elections.”

Carers UK is also encouraging carers who provide unpaid help to a partner, relative, friend, who is ill, disabled, elderly or misuses drugs or alcohol, to sign an open letter to the future Prime Minister calling for them to commit to making life better for carers.

Carers can also contact their local parliamentary candidates to highlight the issues they face and support the Carers’ Manifesto that Carers UK has prepared. It calls for things such as a new National Carers’ Strategy and a reform of Carer’s Allowance, increasing the amount in England and Wales in line with Scotland and enabling carers to work more. You can learn more at www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/general-election-2024/

If you would like to attend any of our hustings you can book online via this link 2024 General Election Hustings or contact us. Email contact@carersinherts.org.uk or call 01992 58 69 69. If you have a question for the candidates, please share it with us as we will be preparing queries to put to the people hoping to be the next Members of Parliament.