Website of the Department of Health

Information service/helpline for carers

A key want and need of carers is accessible, comprehensive and reliable information that enables them to access services and support, facilitating them to properly meet the needs of themselves and the person they care for.

Presently a number of local and national services exist to provide such support to carers. Whilst the value of these services cannot be overstated, they are often available for only a few hours a week, poorly resourced or limited geographically. What is lacking is a well-funded and comprehensive nationally available information service.

In recognition of this, Government is establishing the information service/helpline for carers. The service will provide, via a website, and a single national telephone number, access to the information so needed by carers. Carers will be provided assistance by the service directly, or referred onto an existing service that would be more appropriate.

Following broad stakeholder consultation the specification of the information service/helpline has been prepared.  The tendering process to find a suitable provider of the service has begun, it is expected that the contract will be awarded in winter 2008, and the service in place for spring 2009.

Government is making £2.8 million a year available to support this service.