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New Deal for Carers
This programme of work was a commitment in DH’s 2006 White Paper ‘Our Health, Our Care,Our Say’. It includes a revision of the Prime Minister’s 1999 Carers Strategy, setting up a help/advice line, provision of cover in emergencies and an expert carers programme.
About New Deal for Carers
Background on the New Deal with an overview of work so far and future aims.
New Deal for Carers - your voice counted
The evolving Carers Strategy moves towards its launch in the late spring, with the views from the comprehensive stakeholders' consultation providing a good evidence base for the carers' strategy.
Strategy
The strategy covers the whole area of government responsibilities where these impact on carers, and is being reviewed as a partnership between a number of government departments. Four workstreams and associated task forces will be established covering income, employment, health and social services and equalities (including equality of opportunity).
Carers' information service/helpline
To support carers’ need for accessible, comprehensive and reliable information to enable them to access services and support for themselves and the person they care for, Government is establishing a national information service/helpline.
The service is expected to be in place in autumn 2008. Government is making £2.8 million a year available to fund the service.
Emergency respite care
Under new provisions launched October 2007, £25 million was made available to local authorities in England to help them to provide cover for carers when an emergency strikes.
Expert Carers' Programme (ECP)
To support carers to undertake their vital responsibilities, Government is establishing the Expert Carers’ Programme. The programme will provide training to carers, empowering and enabling them. It will inform them of their rights; the services available to them; develop their advocacy skills and their ability to network with other carers to support their needs.
The first training to carers is expected to take place in August 2008. Government is making £4.7 million a year available to fund the Programme.
Additional links
Caring for someone
Information and advice for carers across Government departments.
Carer's strategy
Sets out the Government's short-term agenda and long-term vision for the future care and support of carers
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