For hundreds of families across the U.K., supporting an adult living with Dementia is nothing less than a 24-hour job. Faced with the challenging task of providing round-the-clock care, families often reach a point of crisis and burnout, ending up with no choice but to make the painful decision of full-time care admission. For most individuals and their families at diagnosis, this is their worst fear- no longer being able to be at home and families no longer together. Community respite acts as a prevention service to this, giving those living with Dementia stimulation, fun and support while giving their loved ones a much needed day off.

However, our government views this crucial relief as a privilege and levies 20% VAT on it, viewing it as a mere commodity rather than a lifeline for hundreds like us, as if caring full time for our loved ones is a luxury we opted for. In the UK, over 700,000 people are diagnosed with dementia. Hundreds of thousands undiagnosed. We are fighting not just for them, but for these numerous other families as well with other diagnoses.

Our demand is simple - the government needs to stop treating community respite for vulnerable adults as a commodity. The 20% VAT on it needs to be abolished. This isn't about tax benefits, this is about recognizing the enormous personal sacrifices that families  make in the face of adversity.

Taxing our sacrifices and charging VAT is a blow to the loving care families provide to our vulnerable members in the comfort of their homes. We urge the UK government to consider our call. Together, let's make a stand for those who give their all.

Please support us in our plea for fairness and sign this petition. Your voice can make a difference.