Carers in Staffordshire can now get easier access to advice and guidance, after a new service was launched this week.
The new Staffordshire Together for Carers Service, delivered by n-compass provides preventative support for carers of all ages, including young carers in their local communities.
The services have been remodelled after Staffordshire County Council and the local Clinical Commissioning Group sought the views of hundreds of carers on what they needed the most from care services.
The new service, jointly commissioned by the county council and Staffordshire CCGs includes emotional and practical support for carers, as well as giving them the opportunity to take breaks from caring to meet other carers and look after their own hobbies and interests.
Young carers will also get the support they need to carry out their caring role, link in with other young people in the same situation, and take a break from caring when they need it.
Also from today, all carer assessments will be carried out by the county council, after previously being conducted by People Plus.
It is estimated that there are 148,000 adult carers and 1,950 young carers in Staffordshire.
Dr. Richard Harling, Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said: “This new service puts carers at its heart, to ensure they have access to the emotional and practical support to carry out their caring role, but are also supported to take breaks from that role when they need it. We have thousands of carers across Staffordshire who do a tremendous job in looking after their loved ones, so it is important we have a service that gives them the support they need when they need it.”
Marcus Warnes, Accountable Officer for the Staffordshire CCGs said: “Carers play an invaluable contribution to our communities. Without them the health and care system would be unable to function in the way that we do, to the detriment of everyone.
“It is only right they receive recognition by being given support and help for all the work that they do. We are delighted this service is now taking off and trust it will provide real tangible help for our army of carers in Staffordshire.”
Carers can visit www.staffordshiretogetherforcarers.org.uk for more information about the new service. Anyone who needs a carer assessment can email firstcontactcarers@staffordshire.gov.uk or call 0300 303 0621.
