SIR, We're told that the upcoming election is going to be the most important in our lifetime. However I'm bemused that there seems to be a lack of discussion over the issues that affect me. I became a carer six years ago, after the death of a relative – a lone parent of an 11 year old boy with mental health issues. What a shock I was in for! Though I had regular contact with my nephew prior to the death, until you have to live with someone with mental health issues, you don't really understand what's involved. After a very steep learning curve, my wife and I decided to become legal guardians to our nephew, giving him the stable home, security and guidance that he so needed. It hasn't been easy. What with the constant changes of social workers, having to move into my recently deceased relatives home (we lived in a one bedroom flat until we became carers) and changes to benefits, being carers hasn't been smooth. Were we going to have to move due to the bedroom tax? What impact will changes to DLA have on the opportunities and support of our nephew? What will happen after he leaves school? Higher education or vocational training? All hurdles that we have had to face. At the end of the day, we do these things because we love our families and want to help them on the path to a rewarding and fulfilling life. Caring is the most difficult job that I have ever done, and not made easier by recent changes. I want a government that stands up for the thousands of silent carers like me. We don't want the world, just a fairer share of the cake so that we can spend more time enjoying our families rather than worrying for them. Cllr Dale Rooke (Chepstow)