Carers will get a break, thanks to Richmond Council funding (From Your Local Guardian)

Carers will get a break, thanks to Richmond Council funding

12:00pm Saturday 4th August 2012 in Richmond By Rachel Bishop

Funding for unpaid carers in Richmond will enable them to take a break this year.

NHS Richmond and Richmond Council have received a grant to help carers who live in the borough or care for a resident who does.

The NHS has been given £400m to support carers between 2011 and 2015.

GPs and voluntary organisations, including Richmond Carers Centre and Richmond Mind, will use the money to publicise the NHS Carers’ Breaks fund.

Cathy Kerr, director of adults and community services for Richmond, said the initiative championed the importance of the health and wellbeing of carers in the borough and encouraged local carers to apply for the £250 grant.

Councillor Nicola Urquhart, cabinet member for adult services, health and housing, said: “Last year more than 630 carers used this grant to take some time off from their caring duties, and the feedback was very positive.”

The scheme will benefit those being cared for who suffer from a long-term health problem or whose health or wellbeing is being affected by their caring situation.

Coun Urquhart said: “Carers of all ages provide an absolutely essential support in our borough and a lifeline for the people they care for. In many cases, in addition to their role as a carer for a relative or a friend, they also have other family, school or work responsibilities.”