Chill4us Carers

Campaigning for Carers Since 2010

Chill4us has spent years supporting carers and vulnerable people across Norfolk and the UK. Through awareness campaigns, meetings with MPs, community work and national recognition, the organisation has continued to champion the voices of unpaid carers.

16 October 2007

All Party Parliamentary Group for Carers

Wendy spoke in the Houses of Parliament, highlighting that carers were in crisis and urgent action was needed.

Proposals included removing the overlapping benefits rule, increasing carers allowance, providing more respite care, free prescriptions and glasses for carers, and a heating allowance for carers.

Wendy also called for individual assessment, better respect for elderly citizens, more public awareness, and recognition of the hidden carers who do not think of themselves as carers.

15 June 2008

Westminster Trip Highlights Carers' Woes

Wendy Maxwell led a delegation to Westminster to highlight the plight of carers and the need for better support.

Moira Goodey, Manager of Norwich Mind, joined the visit to meet Ivan Lewis MP and Norman Lamb MP.

The delegation raised the case of a carer who received a letter about returning to work just 10 days after her husband died.

Norman Lamb said that more respite care was needed, and Wendy Maxwell said carers should be listened to and valued.

Mrs Goodey said carers can become ill, severely depressed and stressed because of their caring role, and called for legislation to be followed up with funding.

23 October 2008

Meeting at Westminster

Wendy Maxwell from Chill4Us Carers met Stephen O’Brien MP, Shadow Minister for Health, to discuss key issues affecting carers.

Also involved were Gordon Conochie, policy and parliamentary officer at Crossroads Caring for Carers and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, and Trevor Ivory, Conservative Candidate for North Norfolk.

Key points discussed included respite provision, flexible working options for carers, assessments for carers, support for fuel poverty, ring-fencing of carers grant, regular assessments, GP training and assessing carers based on need.

26 February 2009

Parliamentary Reception

Parliamentary reception hosted by Barbara Keeley MP to launch “Putting people first without putting carers second”.

The event was held at The Attlee Suite, Portcullis House, Westminster, London.

The report was co-authored by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Caring for Carers. It focused on improving the care and support system to produce better outcomes for families, individuals and carers.

Those involved included Dr Chris Michel, Dr Ian Gibson MP and Wendy Maxwell.

7 December 2010

TalkTalk Digital Heroes Award

Wendy Maxwell was awarded the TalkTalk Digital Heroes Award for the East of England, receiving a £5,000 grant to enhance the digital project.

Chloe Smith attended the TalkTalk Awards Ceremony in support of local Norwich charity Chill4Us, set up and run by Hellesdon resident Wendy Maxwell.

The grant was intended to help buy more equipment and reach out to more carers across the UK.

Chloe Smith said she was delighted that Wendy Maxwell’s work had been recognised by a national business and described the website as being run for the wider social good.

13 May 2013

Meeting with Norman Lamb, The Care Minister

Chill4us raised concerns about the loss of carer support workers in Norfolk, which was due to begin on 1 August 2013.

Carer support workers provide help and support for carers in their own home, when the carer is unable to go to the surgery or join groups.

When a carer support worker visits a carer at home and listens, they provide an invaluable service which has proved to help keep a carer in good health, therefore saving the county money.

31 December 2015

Order of the British Empire

Mrs Wendy Penelope Maxwell, Founder of Chill4Us Carers, was appointed M.B.E. for services to carers.

Civil Division

Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, St. James’s Palace, London SW1.

THE QUEEN has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

To be Ordinary Members of the Civil Division of the said Most Excellent Order: Mrs Wendy Penelope MAXWELL, Founder, Chill4Us Carers. For services to Carers.

15+

Years Supporting Carers

UK

National Campaign Work

1000s

Carers Supported

MBE

National Recognition