Cumbria County Council Caring for Carers

Today, Cumbria County Council's cabinet endorsed the multi-agency Cumbria Carers Strategy and agreed to the publication and launch of the strategy during National carers Week 9 - 15 June. 

The strategy has been developed in consultation with local carers and carers associations. Cumbria Social Services and local Primary Care Trusts. It aims to improve services for carers and enhance carers' support. 

County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for care and Social services says, 

"The Carers Strategy aims to support those in the community who look after others. Carers enhance people's independence and contribute significantly to the care economy. Ring fencing money to support carers is very important, enabling the purchase of breaks for carers who provide substantial and regular care to both adults and disabled children. Ring fencing carer support helps all carers including young carers under the age of 18. Local Implementation Networks (LIN's) are being set up across the county to ensure the targets set out in the strategy are met and that it is implemented in a way that meets local needs. I would like to thank everyone involved in the Cumbria Carers Strategy Group for their work in ensuring a comprehensive carers strategy for Cumbria." 

The strategy is based upon four key goals 

• To improve carers access to appropriate and up to date information at the times and places it will be most helpful to them. 
• To raise awareness of carers' right to an assessment of their own needs, and to increase uptake of carers' assessments. 
• To ensure there is support for carers to help them in their caring role. 
• Opportunities for cares to have a say in how services are developed and run.    

The carers' strategy is part of a wider initiative called the Prevention strategy, aiming to promote greater independence and support people in their own homes.