New deal for Windsor and Maidenhead carers means respite help in times of difficulty
Carers in the Windsor and Maidenhead borough are set to receive a £53,000 boost to help them in times of difficulty or emergency.
The money will be earmarked to enable them to take advantage of free, short-term, home-based respite care when they need to take a break, for example when they have to go into hospital, for an emergency such as a relative taking ill and needing assistance, or to attend a family funeral.
It forms part of the government’s £25m New Deal for Carers package of support for carers announced by Ivan Lewis, minister for care services, in February and should be available to the council from October.
Cllr John Story, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: "Within the borough there are many hidden heroes who hold families together through their support and devotion. Carers often provide care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, enabling a friend or family member to stay at home and live with the dignity, independence and security the rest of us take for granted.
"We know that carers do not want to give away their family responsibilities. But at the same time they want government and local services on their side to ensure the necessary care and support is available to maintain their family's quality of life.”
Ed Thompson, joint commissioning manager for the Windsor and Maidenhead council and chair of the borough’s Carers Partnership Board, said: “The council already spends around £1m on a range of carers’ services and the New Deal for Carers provides a further opportunity to address the key issue of supporting short-term, home-based cover in crisis and emergency situations which is really important to carers.
“The government has recognised that, despite progress in recent years, carers are still missing out on opportunities because of their caring role, despite contributing a huge amount to society.”
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
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