Council welcomes extra £255m for carer support in the UK

NORTH East Lincolnshire Council has welcomed the launch of a new government strategy which pledges an extra £255m to support carers in the UK.

The National Strategy for Carers was launched on July 10 and represents significant steps forward in the future care and support of carers, setting out the Government’s short-term and long-term vision for the future care and support of carers.

The overall vision is that by 2018 carers will be recognised and valued as being fundamental to strong families and stable communities. Support will be tailored to individual needs enabling carers to maintain a balance between their caring responsibilities and a life outside caring, whilst enabling the person they support to be a full and equal citizen.

The strategy is part of the government’s aim to improve the lives of the 5.2 million carers in England and Wales. It has pledged £150m towards short breaks for carers, £38m to support carers back into work, and £6m to improve support for young carers.

Launching the carers' strategy, health secretary Alan Johnson said: "This new strategy is another big step forward, and has the commitment of seven government departments, carers and those who work with them. It is broader than health, looking also at housing, benefits and education."

Councillor Peter Mills, the council's portfolio holder for adult social care, said: "We are pleased the government has put such a high emphasis on supporting carers. The strategy will improve support for carers and will help address some of the wider issues - such as health, work, lifelong learning, leisure, as well as providing more opportunities for short breaks for carers."

Julie Ogley, the council's executive director for community care, said: "I am confident that the council, in partnership with the Care Trust Plus and local voluntary organisations will deliver improved services to local carers."

Other schemes announced in the strategy include the piloting of annual health checks for carers to help them stay well and training for GPs to recognise and support carers.

A more integrated and personalised support service will be offered through easily accessible information, targeted training for key professionals to support carers, and pilots to examine how the NHS can better support carers.