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Carers
This section is aimed at health and social care professionals in the statutory and independent sectors who work with carers. It contains information on Government guidance and regulations affecting carers, details of the current carers grant and other relevant information on carers’ policy.
Information for carers
Carers Direct
Carers Direct provides information advice and support for carers with a comprehensive online resource including: guidance on the different stages of caring, information for claiming benefits, advice for young carers, contact details for local authorities and support groups, news articles, and case studies with videos. In April, a telephone advice line will launch to complement the website.
Directgov
Carers looking after someone, or people considering becoming a carer, will find information at:
Carers’ Strategy Demonstrator Sites
Published: 10 February 2009
Following analysis of feedback received at the nine regional events held in 2008, the Department is asking for expressions of interest from LAs and PCTs for funding to set up demonstrator sites covering provision of breaks for carers, healthchecks for carers and NHS support for carers. These demonstrator sites will start in 2009 for 2 years.
Carers' strategy
Published: 10 June 2008
Sets out the Government's short-term agenda and long-term vision for the future care and support of carers
Carers' Grant
The Government introduced the Carers' Grant in 1999 to help councils to provide breaks and services for carers in England.
Key legislation related to carers
The Department has supported legislation which has given carers new and improved rights.
Discussion forum for carers
An opportunity for information sharing and a way for councils to adopt new approaches to supporting carers.
Carers of people with dementia
Booklet for carers about dementia, caring for someone with dementia and the help available.
Standing Commission on Carers
The Standing Commission on Carers provides independent expert advice to Government on the development and delivery of the national strategy Carers at the heart of 21st century families and communities. It was established by the Prime Minister in 2007 and gives carers a voice at the heart of developing Government strategy. The Commission plays a key role in scrutinising progress in delivering the national Carers' Strategy and provide independent advice to Ministers on the crucial issues that affect the lives of carers and the people they support.
Caring with Confidence (formerly known as the Expert Carers' Programme)
To support carers to undertake their vital responsibilities, Government has established Caring with Confidence. This 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 took place in August 2008 and is expected to reach full capacity by June 2009. Government is making £4.7 million a year available to fund Caring with Confidence.
Additional links
Data on support for carers
The NHS Information Centre provides data on support provided to carers by councils.
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