What’s been achieved so far

We’ve achieved a huge amount so that people in care can have contact with their loved ones.

Thanks to our amazing supporters, members and followers, and their tireless lobbying of Ministers, MPs, care home bosses, government officials, and the media, we’ve already secured major change. 

The call for a Care Supporter attracted cross party political support. The Care Supporters Bill passed its first reading in Westminster Parliament with unanimous support, but failed to progress any further.

As Care Rights UK we continue to campaign for Gloria’s Law, a new legal right to a Care Supporter, which would guarantee that people will never again be completely cut off from their families when they need them most. 

Our successes

March 2021

The Government accepted our demand that all residents should have an essential care giver that could visit during outbreaks and periods of lockdown. This was written into guidance at the time.

November 2021

The chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights called on the Government to ‘put into law protections for care home residents deprived of family visits.’ In response to evidence from campaigners, the committee called for immediate action to reconnect care home residents with family and friends.

March 2022

The Joint Committee on Human Rights wrote to the Prime Minister, urging him to place care home visiting guidance on a statutory footing.

April 2022

The Government finally removed all visiting restrictions to care homes. Responding to the demands of campaigners, the Government limited restrictions to outbreak management only.

July 2022

The Joint Committee on Human Rights called on the Government to introduce legislation. Following evidence given to the committee by campaigners, in their report, the committee urged the Government to introduce legislation that would give those in care a legal right to maintain contact with a loved one “in all circumstances”.

June 2023

The Care Supporters Bill was introduced to the Westminster Parliament and passed its first reading with unanimous support. Second reading was scheduled for 24 November but this was cancelled following the King’s Speech.

March 2024

Labour leader Keir Starmer backs Gloria’s Law. In a media interview he committed to working closely with campaigners to change any legislation. He thanked “the tireless campaigners who have continued to fight on this issue week-in week-out”.

April 2024

The Government introduces Regulation 9A, making visiting and accompanying a fundamental Care Quality Commission standard.

  • ‘People in care must never again be isolated from the people most important to them. Relatives and friends are more than just ‘visitors’. They are a lifeline. They need to be recognised as a vital part of the care team. This is why the new right to a Care Supporter is so urgently needed. It can help end the terrible harm caused by isolation, as well as increasing the voice of people in care, now and in the years to come.’

    Helen Wildbore, Director, Care Rights UK

  • 'Our first priority is always the wellbeing of our residents and we firmly believe that contact with relatives and friends is essential to the health and wellbeing of those we care for. Rights for Residents have done a fantastic job championing the right to visit throughout what has been an extremely challenging time for the social care sector. We are delighted to offer our support to their campaign for a right to maintain contact.'

    Rebecca Pearson, Operations Director, BUPA

  • 'It is important when the government is considering new legislation for health and social care, to give caregivers a statutory right to support people receiving care, that this right applies to people in all settings, including the NHS.'

    Martin Green, Chief Executive, Care England

  • 'We have discussed the proposed organisational support for the ‘right to maintain’ contact and as it fits in line with our ethos and values and given the work we have supported with your good selves, Maria Mallaband Care Group would very much like to offer you our official support in achieving this for residents and their families.'

    Clinton Taylor, Clinical Director, Maria Mallaband

  • ‘We must learn the lessons and guarantee the right to a Care Supporter in hospitals and care homes. The Government has a moral duty to guarantee regular and safe visiting to ensure care home residents and hospital patients are not left behind.’

    Dan Carden, MP