BBC on self funded and self funding carers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30919511

BBC on how the care system works in the UK

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30902552

UK_Care Act 2015

On 1st April 2015, the UK will see changes for unpaid carers. They will be able to get assessments from Social Services and other authorities about their needs as well as those they are caring for. They will also need to get more involved in lobbying their employers about flexible working and benefits they should be entitled to. If we are to help ourselves, as individuals and as a group, we need to make businesses and industry aware of our input into society and into their profit base. Unpaid carers save the authorities millions of pounds. And this applies to their employers because they do their utmost to continue in their roles and do the best they can for those businesses. There is a general election taking place on May 7th 2015 so it is important to understand how unpaid carers are going to be addressed in political party manifestos. If you can write to your MP, or politicians whom you deem appropriate, they could take note. These are some of the most challenging times for them... it is important to understand this and use the opportunity.

Egg curry

Ingredients 4 large free range eggs - boil for ten minutes first 1 medium onion 3 cloves garlic 1 inch fresh root ginger 1 green chilli 3 tablespoons rapeseed oil 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 1 tin of chopped tomatoes Fry the onion, crushed garlic cloves and grated ginger in the oil. Wait for the onions to go light brown then add the spices and seeds. Fry for another two minutes and then add the green chilli and tomatoes. Simmer for around four minutes. Then add the boiled eggs. If you simmer for a few minutes then keep the boiled eggs intact but if you only leave it one minute, slice the boiled eggs and then put them into the curry. You want the eggs to soak up the sauce and take on the flavour. Serve with basmati or jasmine rice (check the instructions on the packet) and a green salad goes nicely with this dish. If you can find Indian pickles, mango, lime or aubergine, they go well too.

Chick Pea Curry

Ingredients 1 tin of chick peas 1 medium onion 1 green chilli - deseed if you want to get rid of the heat 3 tablespoons of rapeseed oil 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon turmeric 3 cloves of garlic 1/2 a tin of chopped tomatoes or tomato passata Place the oil in a saucepan and fry the chopped onions and garlic Fry them for about 4 minutes. Then add the spices and chilli. Chop the chilli if your guests don't mind the heat. Stir and cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes and the chick peas (drain out the salted water - it's a bit too salty) Allow this mixture to simmer on a low heat for another ten minutes Add fresh coriander leaves and a dollop of yoghurt Serve with basmati rice (check instructions on the packet!) Or bread to dunk into the curry A salad of sliced tomatoes and onions goes down a treat with this dish