Action for Carers
Carers are Britain’s unsung heroes.
Dedicated carers here in Weaver Vale play a vital role in supporting elderly and disabled relatives and friends, but they need support themselves.
Carers Week, held in June every year, is an opportunity to thank them for the hard work they do and highlight their cause.
But this year Carers Week isn’t just about saying thanks. Labour has launched the new Carers Strategy. We want to give them the recognition and status they deserve.
With an ageing population the demand for care will go up. More older people caring for their partners whilst also looking after their grandchildren, more parents caring for disabled children and more children caring for their disabled parents.
I support the Carers Strategy as it sets out action for the carers of today and tomorrow. There will be more information and advice services for carers as well as more skills and training opportunities for carers. Professionals who work with carers will get training too.
The NHS will trial annual health checks for carers, and look at ways for GPs to support carers better.
And there will be more support for the growing number of young carers, both inside and outside school.
But perhaps the most important new announcement is about breaks. Carers deserve a life of their own, with opportunities to take part in activities separate from their caring role.
No matter how much you love someone, caring around the clock can be exhausting. It can put real pressure on carers and families. It can even affect your health. A break, where someone else takes over caring for a while and gives carers time off, can make a huge difference.
Last year, we took action to give more short break services for families with disabled children. Now short breaks for carers of adults are being expanded too. These will be tailored to individual carers’ needs to help them get time away from caring in the way that will make the most difference to their lives.
Mike Hall MP said: “It’s important that we thank carers for their love and commitment. These new measures will help to make a real difference to carers’ lives and will support them in Weaver Vale.”
