Major break for county’s carers
Carers from across Warwickshire will be given more opportunities to take time off, thanks to an £800,000 pilot project announced by the Department of Health.
Warwickshire County Council is the only authority regionally and one of just 12 nationally to be chosen as a demonstrator site for the ‘Breaks for Carers’ programme. The aim of the project is to give carers more opportunities to take the breaks they want when they want.
In Warwickshire there are approximately 53,000 people who care for friends or family. For many of them caring is a full-time job, but they are unpaid and rarely take holidays.
Called ‘Book and Go’, the Warwickshire scheme will primarily be trialled with people caring for adults with learning disabilities. The aim is to give carers the choice and control to commission how and when they take time off - whether it’s a training course, a trip to the theatre or a holiday. It is hoped that the lessons learnt from the scheme will benefit carers countywide and nationally.
Working with NHS Choices a special ‘Book and Go ’ page within the Carers Direct website will play a major role in the project to give carers an online resource to select the right type of help when they want it. Funding will be spent on a wide range support for carers and will include sessional support staff, access to leisure opportunities, therapy sessions, training and much more.
Dr Graeme Betts, Strategic Director for Adult, Health and Community Services at Warwickshire County Council, said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding which will help put the carer in the driving seat when it comes to commissioning services.
“Carers deserve the same opportunities to book last minute holidays or go out at short notice. This project will help provide carers with the flexibility and support to improve their quality of life and carry on caring.”
The winning bid was submitted by Warwickshire’s Adult, Health and Community Services directorate, NHS Choices and local carer support organisations. The project will start in October and Warwickshire will receive £800,000 over the next two years.
In addition to the Breaks for Carers funding, the Department of Health is investing in a project to provide better access to health checks for Warwickshire’s carers and to give them health advice and support in their own homes.
If you are a carer and you would like more information please log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carers or contact the Customer First Team on 01926 743026.