Thanks.
VAL
-----Original Message-----
From: carer-forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Paul
Mansfield
Sent: 23 June 2008 16:33
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Carers Strategy
There's a number of summaries available about the new national strategy
(the main document is 168 pages, though rather lightly-filled by
academic standards?).
I attach the summaries from ADASS and Carers UK plus the executive
summary of the Government document itself.
Paul Mansfield
Paul Mansfield
Planning and Service Development Officer
Adults and Housing
Leicester City Council
1st floor Mansion House
Guildhall Lane
Leicester LE1 5FR
Telephone (0116) 225 4758
(internal 39-4758)
Fax (0116) 225 4754
>>> Valerie <[log in to unmask]> 23/06/2008 15:37 >>>
Thanks Andy,
Good to hear from you and I hope life is treating you well.
Shall make sure something of this goes in our members’ newsletter.
All the best.
VAL
-----Original Message-----
From: carer-forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Andy
Power
Sent: 17 June 2008 18:16
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Article of possible interest - from Mencap newsletter
Government launches ten-year strategy for carers
A £255 million package of support aims to improve the lives of the 5.2
million carers in England and Wales.
This month the government announced its £255 million carers' strategy,
which aims to increase short break provision, provide employment
support
and improve the health of carers.
Among other commitments, the government has pledged £150 million over
two
years for short breaks for carers in England. Annual health checks will
be
piloted and a further £38 million will be used to support carers back
into
work.
Minister for disabled people, Anne McGuire, said that the strategy
recognised the valuable input carers have into society. “Carers want
a
better balance between their paid work and their caring
responsibilities,”
she said.
Mencap’s research shows that 8 out of 10 carers are at breaking point
because of a lack of support. The care services minister, Ivan Lewis,
said
that the government’s commitment on short breaks will double the
amount of
respite care over two years.
However, Mencap’s head of campaigns and policy, David Congdon, warned
that
£150 million is not enough: “If the government does not provide more
money
for short breaks, carers will continue to be unsupported.”
Carers UK, the national organisation representing carers, welcomed the
strategy, but said that it left questions unanswered, particularly
around
benefits for carers. The strategy makes no mention of an increase in
Carer's Allowance – currently set at £50.55 for a minimum 35 hours'
caring
per week.
http://www.mencap.org.uk/news.asp?id=3216&pageno=&year=&menuId=90
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