Letters, contributions and comments sent in to the Advertiser this week.

We must back social care

Marcia Forsythe, Silk Court, Bethnal Green, writes:

Social care cannot be undervalued and underfunded any longer. Here in Anchor care homes, we have been highlighting a social care crisis for years, and we now face a dangerous shortfall in the number of carers to support our ageing population and vulnerable adults. Today, we unite to urge the government to value social care and the indispensable contribution the workforce makes to society.

The social care sector faces a potential shortfall of up to 1.1 million carers by 2037. Anchor’s new research shows 78 per cent of British adults say they are unlikely to begin a career in the sector. More than a fifth (22pc) say the work is not valued by the government.

The government must take responsibility. We have been waiting for the social care Green Paper this summer, in the hope it contains answers to the impending crisis. We are therefore concerned to hear that this Green Paper has been delayed until the autumn.

Technology offers only a partial solution – no amount of technical advancement replaces the need for human compassion. Only by the government demonstrating it values social care and its workforce will we have a chance to recruit and retain the hardworking and committed staff our ageing population and vulnerable adults need and deserve.

Walk across city’s bridges for charity

Charlotte Harrison-Webb, Diabetes UK, writes:

Diabetes UK is urging people to go the extra mile on Sunday, September 30 and sign up for the London Bridges Challenge.

Starting out in the beautiful Battersea Park, you’ll criss-cross 12 of London’s most iconic bridges. Passing Big Ben and the London Eye, walkers will catch a glimpse of St Paul’s as they cross Millennium Bridge, pass Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and finish the walk at the stunning Tower Bridge.

Diabetes UK supports people across London, who are living with diabetes ? a serious condition which, left undiagnosed or not managed safely, can lead to devastating long term complications, including blindness, heart disease and stroke.

London Bridges is a family occasion, and everyone is welcome. Registration is now open with an early bird offer and no minimum sponsorship is required. On the day, you’ll receive one of our T-shirts, refreshments and a well-deserved finishers’ medal, as well as lots of support and encouragement.

Join us in a walk towards a future where diabetes can do no harm. Find out more at diabetes.org.uk/londonbridges, email londonbridges@diabetes.org.uk, or call our events fundraising team on 0345 123 2399.