The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
‘I know there are a lot of carers whose loved ones are still not getting help’
Amanda Kopel will co-chair review group to look at ways to aid carers
Frank’s Law campaigner Amanda Kopel is to lead a new group to offer help to Scotland’s near-800,000 army of unpaid carers.
The widow of former Dundee United legend Frank will co-chair a body set up to consider what policies could be put in place to offer greater support for those who find themselves in a carer role.
It comes after Mrs Kopel campaigned vigorously for free personal care for people under the age of 65, following her late husband’s dementia diagnosis at the age of 59.
The former Manchester United star died in 2014, shortly after his 65th birthday, and a campaign – backed by The Courier – led to Frank’s Law coming into effect in April.
Mrs Kopel agreed to co-lead the Scottish Conservatives review group alongside Scottish shadow health secretary Miles Briggs. “This is hugely important, as there are so many carers out there who need help,” she said.
“I know there are a lot of carers whose loved ones are still not getting help, despite Frank’s Law coming into place.
“I didn’t know what it was like to be a carer before Frankie – no one is born a carer, we have to learn.”
The review group was launched at the pioneering Kirriemuir Connections dementia hub, which recently became the first Scottish “meeting centre” based on a successful European model for supporting those living with the illness.
The group aims to work with the estimated 790,000 carers in Scotland, as well as charities and support groups, to help inform the Tory manifesto going into the 2021 Holyrood election.
Angus MP Kirstene Hair said: “Many carers are left trying to juggle their caring responsibilities while holding down a job. They sacrifice so much for others yet, tragically, find little support for their own needs.”