Better information provided for carers in UK

Carers are to get better information about vital services thanks to new information leaflets.

Produced by Carers UK and funded by the Department of Health and British Gas, the leaflets provide information to all carers on rights, benefits and breaks in a clear format.

Health Minister, Stephen Ladyman, welcomed the move towards better information provision for carers.

He said: "We know that carers need to be able to access information easily through a variety of routes. This information needs to reach carers in all parts of society including those people who in the past have experienced particular difficulties in finding appropriate information."

However, he said that reaching "hidden carers" continued to be a real concern: "This is why we have supported Carers UK in the development of these new leaflets to ensure that more of the people who care for others will be aware of their rights and entitlements."

The leaflets will be included in information packs, which will provide carers with key telephone numbers and advice.

They are available via a hotline, by post and online at www.carersonline.org.uk

The Chief Executive of Carers UK, Imelda Redmond, said: "With over two million people becoming carers every year, it is an on-going task to ensure that carers are well informed about their rights and entitlements. Every day our CarersLine takes calls from people who have been caring for several years and have only just realised that they are a carer and might be entitled to support and benefits.

"Research consistently shows that the earlier a carer gets support, both benefits and services, the less likely they are to have financial problems in the future and ill-health.

"Given that carers' support saves the state a staggering £57 billion a year, there is a strong moral and economic argument to ensuring that they are supported. We are delighted that the Department of Health is partnering us on this work."

(SP)