CARERS DIRECT

The five million carers in England make a vital contribution to those they care for, their communities and society as a whole. To carry out this role carers need accessible and reliable information that enables them to access services and support for themselves and the person they care for.

That is why I am delighted that a new service has been set up by the Department of Health named Carers Direct.

The service is available both online at www.nhs.uk/carersdirect and through a helpline 0808 802 0202 (freephone). The service is available 7 days a week and can offer assistance directly or by referring people to the appropriate service.

Carers Direct will also work with other similar services to provide a more integrated information service for carers. Initial reaction by carers and the national carers’ charities and similar organisations to the website has been positive.

The Government is investing over £2.8million per year to support this service.

I hope that carers across Swindon will find this service helpful.