+++Vital news (page one of seven)


++Help us support carers – Carers Week, 8-14 June 2009

Vitalise is proud to be one of the ten partner charities for Carers Week 2009, a week celebrating and supporting the UK's six million carers.

Vitalise is throwing its weight behind this year’s campaign to put the UK’s hidden army of unpaid carers on the map. The theme of Carers Week 2009 is 'Carers - the UK’s secret service' and there are lots of opportunities for you to get involved with this important national campaign.

It is estimated that by providing unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled, carers save the economy an incredible £87 billion, yet, at just £50.55 per week, Carers Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind.

+Get involved in Carers Week!

Vitalise's Centres will be supporting the campaign by becoming local partners of Carers Week. If you feel passionately about the rights of carers and would like to join in, the best way is to become a local partner too. You’ll receive a free pack full of materials helping you and your friends to stage awareness events in your area and get local media interested in carers’ rights.

+Take part in a webchat

If you would like the opportunity to put your questions and concerns to Care Services Minister Phil Hope MP and spokespeople from the two main opposition parties, you can take part in a series of carer webchats during Carers Week. Further details about the webchats will be available soon.

+More information

To become a local partner of Carers Week or for information about the webchats, visit www.carersweek.org.uk


++Best of British

Vitalise is doing its bit for the UK's armed forces heroes by offering a free week-long break to disabled veterans.

Thanks to a generous grant from The Royal British Legion, all those who sustained physical disabilities while serving in the UK's armed forces will be able to claim a free seaside holiday in April, together with a guest of their choosing. The weeks on offer are at Vitalise Sandpipers (4-11 April) and Vitalise Netley Waterside House (18-25 April).

As the free ‘Best of British’ weeks were announced, Vitalise Chief Executive Jonathan Powell commented: “We are delighted to be able to offer a free holiday to our heroes from the three branches of the armed forces, and we would like to thank The Royal British Legion, whose support has made these holidays possible.”