Simplyhealth Carers’ Choice Award letter to editor

August 2008

Dear Editor,
Looking after a loved-one who is sick, disabled or frail is not easy – it can be physically hard, emotionally draining and very isolating. In a recent study up to 77% of unpaid family carers say that their health and well-being is worse off as a result of caring. Often the person that carers turn to for support is their GP. This support can vary greatly from practice to practice and yet it can make all the difference to carers.

The Simplyhealth Caring Awards (in partnership with The Princess Royal Trust for Carers) are looking to celebrate all the good work being done throughout the UK today to support carers. I’d like to draw your readers’ attention specifically to the Simplyhealth Carers’ Choice Award that looks to recognise all the fantastic work being carried out by individual GPs. Carers can now say thank you by nominating their GP for this award.
Simplyhealth Carers’ Choice Award
This year’s prize is £250 each for the winning GP and for you. To nominate, all you need to do is write a letter about how your GP supports you as a carer. It is very important to focus on the support they give to you, not just the person you care for. Please e-mail gpawards@carers.org or write to The Princess Royal Trust for Carers , Freepost RRRY-JLXK-GZCG, Unit 14, Bourne Court, Southend Road, Woodford Green, IG8 8HD. You need to remember to include contact details for both yourselves and your GP.
The closing date for all the Awards is 10 October 2008 and more information can be found on www.carers.org. The winners will be announced at an event in November 2008.
Yours faithfully,
Sheila Hancock