All the 24,620 carers in Harrow, are the last line of defence against spiralling social care costs.

The value of the carer contribution in our community is estimated to be £407million, but this price tag doesn’t do justice to their compassion, insight and expertise.

We can never fully express just how much of an asset carers are, but we can thank them by working together to ensure they receive the best possible services.

Sadly, Harrow’s health and well-being board has sent the opposite message to carers.

Harrow Borough Council closed the door on a real learning opportunity when it refused to hear from carers about their personal experiences at a recent board meeting.

The carers partnership board, which existed to discuss carer issues and policies, hasn’t met for 18 months and the definition of engagement seems to be a 15-minute slot for public questions every few months.

This represents a democratic deficit, which for a board set up ‘to provide a forum for public accountability of NHS, public health, social care and other health and wellbeing services’ is unjust and unacceptable. Listening costs nothing.

Of course, caring for loved ones is something the vast majority of us feel proud to do in our lives — but far too many also feel alone and rejected when reaching out for a helping hand.

After three different administrations in four years, Harrow needs a more humble kind of politics that listens and sees carers and the wider population as genuine partners in improving health care.

People don’t want to be passive recipients of services; they want to help shape them.

Victoria Silver

Harrow Carer Champion