4 - Local service for carers gets national recognition

 

The new publication, High Impact Changes for Health and Social Care, outlines ways of working, which the Care Service Improvement Partnership (CSIP) believes will have a positive impact on the way health and social care services are delivered across the country.

 

Councils were invited to submit information about services, which have a high impact on the delivery of health and social care services to local people. 

 

The Carers Direct scheme was selected to appear in the new publication as an example of effective working after Dudley Council submitted details of a number of services.

 

The Carers Direct scheme supports borough carers of people with long term illnesses or disabilities.  Following assessment carers can be awarded up to £300 to fund a break or a leisure activity of any kind.  This will give them time off to do something for themselves outside their caring role.

 

The scheme is highly valued by both carers and staff and their comments were included in the submission to CSIP.

 

Council officers are invited to the launch of the publication in London on Tuesday March 11 to present the scheme to health and social care professionals from across the country.

 

“Carers Direct has made a huge difference to the lives of borough carers.  The grants can be used in many ways, which will have a direct impact on a carer’s health and well-being and therefore have a positive effect on the person they care for.

 

“In the four years since the scheme launched, we’ve had lots of positive feedback and I’m delighted it is now being used to highlight good ways of working in the health and social care field.”

 

To find out more about the Carers Direct scheme call Christine Rowley, carers’ co-ordinator on 01384 818723.