Carers Center

Support for Carers of Someone with a Learning Disability
Coming out of Hospital - a Guide for Carers
National Strategy for Carers

Support for Carers of Someone with a Learning Disability

The Carers Centre is delighted to announce a new service, funded by the Learning Disabilities Partnership Fund, for all carers of adults with a Learning Disability in Brighton and Hove.

We have a wealth of information on services and activities to enhance the life of the person you are looking after, and to make your job easier as a carer. We can offer one-to-one appointments either here at the Centre or at your home – whichever is better for you. We have information on self-care activities for such as the ‘Looking After Me’ expert carer course and on low-cost alternative treatments locally.

We have strong links with the Community Learning Disability Team and can refer you for a Carers Assessment which can open up practical, financial and emotional support for you as a carer. For the older carers among you we can offer focused support around plans you wish to make for the future of the person you are caring for through liaison with the Learning Disability Team. We can arrange free appointments with local solicitors who can advise on wills and trusts. We also have information we can share with you on Person-Centred Planning, Health Action Plans, Individualised Budgets, Direct Payments and much more.

We are happy to advocate on your behalf if services are not being delivered as planned. If you would like to book an appointment or to talk things over on the phone please Nicola Lytle.
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Coming Out of Hospital - a Guide for Carers

A useful fact sheet for carers on what to expect when a patient is coming out of hospital has been produced by Carers UK. It includes infomration about your choices and rights as well as taking you through the discharge process. Copies can be downloaded from www.carersuk.org or ordered by calling 0845 241 0963.
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National Strategy For Carers

Gordon Brown has announced the new 10 year National Strategy for Carers. The 172 page document sets out new funding commitments and a vision that is encapsulated by the strap line ‘A caring system on your side. A life of your own’.

It is notable that there is no commitment to raise Carers Allowance although this was the number one concern raised by carers during the consultation. This will be part of an overall reform of the benefits system so until this happens Carers Allowance will remain as the lowest benefit of its kind in the UK.

The strategy recognises the need for information advice available when carers need it and the need for carers to access emotional support. There is a commitment to an extra £150 million over two years for breaks and respite.

The strategy has one chapter on young carers back by £6m to ensure that “no child has their childhood stolen through taking on inappropriate caring responsibilities”
More details on the contents of the strategy and what it means for carers can be found www.carers.org

We will keep carers informed via the website and Carers News as to what this means locally.
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