Michael has been a full-time unpaid carer for his daughter, who has microcephaly (small brain), for over 19 years.
Ahead of Carers Rights Day, we spoke to him about his experience of pushing for his right to a carer’s assessment.
When Michael was struggling with long Covid while continuing to care for his daughter, he wanted to visit the gym to help rebuild his strength. But his caring responsibilities made it difficult to take a break — he could only leave home for short periods of time.
“I needed a local gym because I've tried it previously with the council-run one and it didn't work. I went twice in a year because getting there and getting back home was taking over an hour,” Michael explained.
Knowing that exercise would help him stay active and recover, Michael decided to request a carer’s assessment to see if support could be put in place — specifically, funding for a gym membership closer to home.
Despite his long-term caring role, the council turned down his request for an assessment two years in a row.
“I knew what I was entitled to, but they just kept knocking it back in the early days,” he said.
When his daughter’s care needs were reassessed by the council, Michael tried again. This time, his right to a carer’s assessment was recognised — and he finally had the opportunity to explain the kind of support he needed.
Following the assessment, Michael received funding for a gym membership within walking distance of his home. The difference has been life-changing:
“When I applied for the gym membership, I was suffering from long Covid. I was 14 stone, and I got my gym membership and now I am steady at 12.6… I'm not having to restrict what I eat. So like I said, the proof is in the pudding! And obviously my health is a lot better.”
While Michael eventually received the vital support he needed, it should not have been such a struggle to get an assessment.
It’s essential that carers can challenge decisions when their rights are not being met.
That’s why we’re asking everyone to share our new Being Heard guides which are being published on Carers Rights Day.
- The latest online editions of the Being Heard guides, which are designed to help carers get their voice heard, will be available on our website from Thursday 20 November.
- Find out how you can get involved in Carers Rights Day here.
“I knew what I was entitled to, but they just kept knocking it back in the early days.”
- Michael, unpaid carer
Michael and his daughter outside together.