Ask your MP to help us achieve a new right to a Care Supporter
January 2023
The Relatives & Residents Association is calling for a new legal right, which will ensure that people can maintain contact with their family or friends across health and care settings.
A coalition of nearly 40 organisations is supporting the call, in response to the severe, detrimental impact caused by isolation in care.
The joint call has attracted cross-party political support following an event in Parliament on 9 March 2022. Key developments:
60+ MPs wrote to the (then) Secretary of State asking him to take this forward (May 2022)
A debate in the House of Commons secured support from across political parties (Oct 2022)
The Care Minister is currently exploring the options for how to take this forward
Cross-party MPs are working with us on this call: Conservative MP Tracey Crouch, Labour MP Dan Carden, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper and Plaid Cymru Westminster Leader Liz Saville Roberts.
The joint call has been coordinated by R&RA alongside campaign groups John’s Campaign and Rights For Residents. Nearly 40 organisations are supporting this call, including Mind, Mencap, Healthwatch and Disability Rights UK. The new right would give anyone who needs care and support access to a ‘care supporter’ – a relative or friend who can help them wherever they need it, such as in hospitals, care homes or GP surgeries.
Take action
Write to your MP and ask them to contact the Care Minister to show their support.
Copy the link to this page and include it in your email: Call for a new legal right to a Care Supporter.
Alternatively, download the call as a printable PDF which you can send with a letter.
Let us know how you get on: info@relres.org
Sign up to our eNews to keep up to date with progress
Show your support on social media using #CareSupporter
Thank you for helping us end the misery and harm of isolation in care, now and for years to come.