Launched in Cardiff in February in the presence of Jane Hutt, Assembly Minister for Health and Social Care, the Wales Carers Manifesto sets out the needs and requirements of people caring for a relative or friend who is chronically sick or disabled.

Pembrokeshire Branch Carers Wales hosted a meeting on April 1 when the guest speaker, Maggie Titterton, Carers Wales, discussed issues highlighted in the Carers Manifesto and the importance of bringing them to the attention of candidates in the forthcoming elections.

All candidates for the Welsh Assembly government election had been invited to attend and Mr. Warden, Lib Democratic Party, and Mr. Llyr Hughes Griffiths, Plaid Cymru, were present. The meeting, which was well attended, was chaired by Ann Berry, chairman, Pembrokeshire branch, Carers Wales.

The Carers Manifesto sets out the following requirements as identified by carers themselves - more adequate respite care, no charges for services to carers, choice in alternative care and assurance that NHS and local government know that the support of carers is an essential service requirement.

Maggie Titterton reminded those present that the contribution of unpaid carers saves the Welsh Assembly government an astonishing £3.5 billion per annum. She also mentioned the Assembly's Carers Special Grant of which well over £200,000 has been allocated to Pembrokeshire for year 2003/04 to enable carers to have a break from caring.

While this figure seems a huge amount, it only amounts to £7 and £8 per head for the 13,000 plus per carers in the county. She also urged carers to exercise their right to a Carers Assessment for Services under the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 Act.

Questions from the floor illustrated the frustration of carers who had problems in accessing respite care in the family home rather than elsewhere. Delays in receipt of carers assessments were also mentioned and the difficulty in being able to plan in advance for breaks.

The lack in Pembrokeshire of specialist respite facilities for highly dependant people was also raised.

Copies of the Wales Carers Manifesto are available on request from the Princess Royal Trust Pembrokeshire Carers Centre, Meyler House, Haverfordwest (tel: 01437 767762), and Ms. Titterton urged electors to bring it to the attention of candidates for both Assembly and local elections who seek their support.