There are an estimated six million carers in the UK and the system is struggling to provide them with the support they need.
I have written previously about my experience, in which I abruptly had to give up a full time job to become a carer.
The Liberal Democrats have included policies in their pre manifesto that will help, but it isn’t just about carers while they are actually caring.
What about when caring ends?
In many cases this can happen as abruptly as when the caring role starts.
The change can come through the death of the person, their move into a nursing home or when the carer simply can’t cope anymore .
I was a full time carer for more than three years, switching to a part time role when the local authority recommended a move to residential nursing care for the person I was looking after.
After a lot of soul searching I went along with their proposal mainly because managing at home had become impossible.
The adjustment was massive and ongoing support non existent.
Of course my Carer’s Allowance stopped as soon as the move to residential nursing care had been completed.
I am attempting to get back into some kind of paid work so I can continue with the care responsibilities and earn some money.
It is proving difficult though.
I have and will continue to manage, but the circumstances I have described can’t be considered acceptable.
I don’t think it is just my local area that has nothing in place for people who stop being full time carers.
The Lib Dems have been alone in recognising the need to support people who have experienced mental health problems back into work.
How about championing a similar approach for carers?
* David Warren is a Liberal Democrat Voice reader who is a former member of the Liberal Democrats.