More support to be offered to carers

An increased amount of support is due to be offered to carers across the country, it has been announced.

Care Services minister Phil Hope said that such individuals will be provided with better access to healthcare, more chances to take time off and increased support from the NHS due to the introduction of a new £16 million demonstration scheme.

A total of 25 demonstrator sites will be set up in October to test different ways of providing help to people who care for friends or family.

The sites will examine a range of different areas, such as the provision of paid replacement care to allow carers to take holidays, teaching stress management techniques and introducing discount travel for leisure activities.

Mr Hope said: “These projects will test a range of ways to ensure carers are better supported in their day-to-day caring role but are also able get more breaks and easier access to them.”

In recent days, health secretary Andy Burnham launched a green paper called Shaping the Future of Care Together, which aims to establish a care service that is simple, fair and affordable.