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News Archive

This page contains links to news articles from the press which may be of interest to carers and also local news and developments related to carers. Use the links above to access archived news stories. West Sussex Carers Online does not necessarily endorse the views expressed in these links.

Refreshing the National Carers Strategy (added 24.8.10)
The government has announced its intention to refresh the National Carers Strategy and put together an action plan for the next five years. Paul Burstow, Minister for Care Services, has said that the vision from the last strategy in 2008 will remain, but that a new action plan will outline the 'key activities upon which the Government can focus' to 'ensure maximum value for money in the context of the current economic climate.' The last Government launched the National Carers Strategy whereby carers would be respected as expert care partners, able to have a life of their own alongside caring, and supported so they are not forced into financial hardship by their caring role and supported to stay mentally and physically well. Carers UK will be submitting a detailed response to the consultation centred around carers’ priorities for the future. Further details of how to respond to the consultation are available at www.carersuk.org. Responses must be received by 20th September, and will help inform the government’s decisions on the funding of all public services in their Comprehensive Spending Review.

Do you care for an adult who has Huntington's Disease? (added 23.7.10)
Do you spend several hours a day caring for someone aged 18-65 years with Huntington's disease, and would like to influence a change in services that would allow you to take a break? A team at King's College London have been commissioned by the department of Health to find out respite care for carers through a survey. The survey can be completed online at www.kcl.ac.uk, or by post. Contact David Williams, LTNC Care Study, King's College London, on 020 7848 5418, or email kclcarestudy@kcl.ac.uk

Government scraps leading carer support scheme (added 12.7.10)
The government has scrapped a multi-million pound support package for carers - the Caring with Confidence programme, worth £4.4m a year. The contract for the Caring with Confidence programme was due to close at the end of March 2011, but will now close in September 2010. Read more at www.communitycare.co.uk

Talking Point - online support from the Alzheimer's Society (added 5.7.10)
'Talking Point' is a virtual support group for anyone affected by dementia, whether to ask for advice, share information, join in discussions and feel supported. It is a place where you can be in touch with people who may be in a similar situation to you. Visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/talkingpoint or phone 0207 7423 3501.

Grandparents to have National Insurance contributions credited (added 5.7.10)
From April 2011, working-age grandparents who provide care for a child can get their National Insurance contribution credited to help build up their basic state pension. For more information contact Grandparents Plus on 020 8981 8001 or visit www.grandparentplus.org.uk

How do dementia carers cope with abusive behaviour? (added 14.6.10)
More than one third of people caring for relatives with dementia regularly experience some form of abusive behaviour, such as being shouted at or insulted, a new study has found. Read the article at www.guardian.co.uk

Over 70% of young carers are bullied (added 24.5.10)
Young carers are feeling bullied, stressed and misunderstood at school, research claims. As many as seven in 10 children, some as young as six, who care for a sick or disabled relative say they have been bullied at school. Read the article at www.mirror.co.uk

Carers Week champion has been appointed Minister (added 20.5.10)
Carers Week parliamentary ambassador, Paul Burstow MP, has been appointed Minister for Care Services in the Department of Health. Speaking to Community Care, the Liberal Democrat MP said "Coalition government offers probably the best chance in a generation to start fixing the system so it serves the interests of people who need care and support."

Family Fund changes income criteria to help working families on lowest incomes (added 7.5.10)
The Family Fund, charitable grant-maker for families with disabled children, has changed the way it looks at income to help more families on the lowest of incomes. From 1st April 2010, the Family Fund will consider a grant application where a family’s total income from all sources, including net income and benefits, is below £25,000 in England. For full details of the changes, visit www.familyfund.org.uk

NICE launches guidance web page (added 4.5.10)
NICE has launched a new page on its website for patients, carers and members of the public to search for guidance on a range of topics. The information and quick reference guides are written in plain English and summarises the recommendations that NICE makes to health and other professionals. The page can be found at www.nice.org.uk/patientsandpublic

Cancer patients entitled to free prescriptions (added 4.5.10)
Cancer patients undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer or the effects of cancer treatment can apply for an Exemption from Prescription Charges Certificate from their GP or Oncology Clinic. The Exemption Certificates last for five years but can be renewed, and cover all prescriptions, not just those relating to cancer.

Carers’ pensions have changed
If you have given up work or reduced your hours to care for somebody, your entitlement to the basic State Pension may change. If you are not receiving Carer’s Allowance, you may, instead, be entitled to the new Carer’s Credit which can be found on the Carer's Credit page.

New guidance to help young people with learning difficulties plan their future (added 12.3.10)
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities has published a new downloadable workbook for young people with learning disabilities to help them plan their future after school or college, as well as an information book for their parents/carers. The My Kind of a Future workbook for young people covers a range of topics including Staying healthy, Getting around and Getting ready for work. Prepared for the Future? is for parents/carers, siblings and other family members who want to help a young person to lead a fulfilling life after leaving school. Both booklets can be downloaded free from www.learningdisabilities.org.uk

New Carer's Credit scheme for unpaid carers (added 22.2.10)
The government has urged people who are caring for a friend or relative to take advantage of a new scheme to build up their state pension entitlement. Angela Eagle, Minister for Pensions and Ageing Society, said: "From April 2010 we want people to tell us if they are looking after somebody for more than 20 hours a week so they benefit from this scheme". To check if you qualify for the new Carer's Credit, which will count towards your entitlement for the basic and second state pension visit www.direct.gov.uk or phone 0800 678 1132.

Disabled people urged to 'Tell us what you think' in a Right to Control consultation (added 30.6.09)
Right to Control is a shake-up of the way disabled people can use the funding they receive from the State. Under the new scheme, disabled people will be able to choose who delivers their services and how they receive them. They can have as much or as little control as they want and they could choose to spend the money on a wide range of support to help them to live their lives with greater independence and freedom. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper said: "Disabled people know more about their own lives than anyone else, and the Right to Control will give them the power to decide what support they need and who should provide it." To have your say phone 020 7449 5093 or visit www.odi.gov.uk/right-to-control

Cash boost for blind people (added 30.6.09)
From 2011, blind people will be entitled to receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, which wil help with additional mobility costs, allowing them greater freedom to get out and about, either socially or to find work, said James Purnell, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. The current higher rate of mobility component of Disability Living Allowance is £46.75. The lower rate is £17.75. To qualify for the Disability Living Allowance higher rate mobility component a person must have a physical disablement which renders them unable or virtually unable to walk. For more information visit www.direct.gov.uk

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