The purpose of this petition is to make national and local decision makers in Scotland aware of the importance of high quality, accessible and flexible short breaks and respite care to unpaid carers and care recipients.

By signing this petition you are supporting our message to all those responsible for health and social care services in Scotland to:

Why is this important? 

Carers and care recipients are deeply concerned at the current lack of availability and choice of respite care services across Scotland and, in these difficult economic times, they are anxious about the future as budget cuts take hold. 

Investing in services which give people some time off from their caring responsibilities helps to sustain caring relationships and promotes health and well-being.  It also saves money in the medium to longer term.  Without proper breaks, today's carer can become tomorrow's patient leaving the state to pay and look after two people.

Closing date

The petition closes on the 20th June 2010 to coinicide with UK Carers Week, which this year will be promoted under the theme, ' A life of my own.' 

Please note:  If you decide to sign the petition a confirmation screen will pop up and this will give you the option of making an online donation to 'IPetition' the company, unrelated to Shared Care Scotland, providing this petition service.  You can simply click the 'x' in the top right corner of the window to close this window.  I Petition does not hold on to your email details or pass these on to third parties.  You can view their privacy statement by clicking here. http://www.ipetitions.com/privacy