Latest Carers News
Carers News
Carers UK Campaign for Carers
Help us get better support for carers
Social care is in crisis. The main carers’ benefit is worth just £1.52 an hour. Carers are paying a heavy price.
Carers are saying loud and clear - "It's time to support carers!"
As the general election approaches Carers UK will be campaigning to make sure that whoever forms the next government is left in no doubt that carers need to be a priority. We need as many people as possible to back our campaign and send a message to the next Prime Minister.
Things you can do to help:
* Sign the Carers UK letter and get carers in your network to sign it too. more...
Click here to sign up
Carers Champions Feedback Report
“A big thank you to those of you who completed our annual survey. The results have been processed and the full report is available to read in our resource library, drop in sessions and on the link below. Unfortunately due to costs we are unable to send out hard copies to everyone through the post, however if you feel this is of interest to you, please contact us and we will send a copy to you.” The Annual Survey is available here:
Drop-in Survey
Carers Champions was set up on 1st September 2007 following the award of the contact from Plymouth City Council. Previous drop-in arrangements relating to the old contract could not continue.
The drop-in was set up in 2007 when the new service started. Its aim was to:-
- Be a meeting place for carers
- Provide time out for carers
- A place for carers to get information and advice
- A place to socialise
- Some time for carers to have to themselves away from their
We have now had feedback from Carers on their views on the drop in, the report is available here:
National Dementia Strategy Launched February 2009
The first ever National Dementia Strategy is a landmark document that will transform the quality of dementia care. It sets out initiatives designed to make the lives of people with dementia, their carers and families better and more fulfilled.
The National Dementia Strategy is backed by £150 million over the first two years. It will increase awareness of dementia, ensure early diagnosis and intervention and radically improve the quality of care that people with the condition receive. Proposals include the introduction of a dementia specialist into every general hospital and care home and for mental health teams to assess people with dementia.
New National Carers Strategy published!
Carers at the heart of 21st-century familes and communities - 'A caring system on your side. A life of your own'
The government has published its long awaited plans for carers. The 10 year strategy commits £255 million to create additional support for carers. It also sets out the medium and long-term plans, aimed at transforming the way that society treats carers.
The main recommendations are:
- Increased funding for carers breaks and employment support
- A training programme for carers - Caring with Confidence
- Training for professionals and closer working between agencies, including the Voluntary Sector
- More flexibility and choice in the way personal budgets and direct payments can be used
- Carers Discount cards for leisure and transport
- Annual health checks for carers
- There is no news yet about changes to carers' benefits, although the government has pledged to hold a major review
There will be a number of workshops and consultation events with carers to look at how the strategy will be implemented locally. Please watch this space and get involved!
Useful websites are:
Please feel free to download our latest newsletter to view on your computer.
Our newsletters are in PDF format which can be viewed using Adobe's Acrobat Reader