23 July 2009
Care services minister Phil Hope has launched a £16m pilot programme to help people who care for family members or friends. It aims to give carers better access to health checks and more chance of a break.
Hope said that the projects would include a discount scheme for travel, holidays, sports and leisure activities, stress management classes and paid replacement care to enable carers to take breaks. ‘We must help carers maintain their own health and wellbeing and find better ways for the NHS to support them,’ he said.
Imelda Redmond, chief executive of Carers UK, said: ‘We need to see more of this kind of co-ordinated activity, with the NHS and social services working together to cut carers’ stress, value their contribution and support them to look after their health.’
Care services minister Phil Hope has launched a £16m pilot programme to help people who care for family members or friends. It aims to give carers better access to health checks and more chance of a break.
Hope said that the projects would include a discount scheme for travel, holidays, sports and leisure activities, stress management classes and paid replacement care to enable carers to take breaks. ‘We must help carers maintain their own health and wellbeing and find better ways for the NHS to support them,’ he said.
Imelda Redmond, chief executive of Carers UK, said: ‘We need to see more of this kind of co-ordinated activity, with the NHS and social services working together to cut carers’ stress, value their contribution and support them to look after their health.’
