Carers
About Carers
Carers are people who, without payment, provide help and support to a family member or a friend who may not be able to manage without this help because of frailty, illness or disability. Carers can be adults caring for other adults, parents caring for ill or disabled children or young people who care for another family member.
One of the Department’s key objectives is to support people to live independent lives safely in the community and carers enable many thousands of vulnerable people to do this. It is therefore vital that carers are supported in their caring role so they can continue to care for as long as they wish and are able to do so.
One of the Department’s key objectives is to support people to live independent lives safely in the community and carers enable many thousands of vulnerable people to do this. It is therefore vital that carers are supported in their caring role so they can continue to care for as long as they wish and are able to do so.
In recognition of this, the Department published a strategy for carers in January 2006. “Caring for Carers” was the product of an extensive period of consultation with carers and their representative organisations. The strategy deals with a range of issues including health and personal social services, employment, training, education, information and support services. It is an ongoing piece of work designed to recognise, value and support the role of carers.
As well as practical guidance for the Health and Social Care staff the Department has produced an A - Z guide for carers in Northern Ireland. This provides advice on who and where to contact for information, support and services relevant to carers. This and other guidance can be found on this website.
The Legislation places a responsibility on Health and Social Care Trusts to inform carers of their right to an assessment of their needs and gives Trusts the power to supply services directly to carers to help them in their caring role. Each Trust in Northern Ireland has a nominated carers’ coordinator whose contact details are also available on this website.
Review of support provision for carers
This report contains the findings of the review of support provision for carers undertaken by the Department for Social Development and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. The purpose of the review was to examine the support for carers following on from the review of the National Carers’ Strategy in Britain.
Copies of the report can be obtained from either of the following:
Department for Social Development Social Security Policy and Legislation Division Level 1 James House 2-4 Cromac Avenue Gasworks Business Park Ormeau Road Belfast BT7 2JA Telephone:028 9081 9120 Text phone:028 9081 9140 Fax:028 9081 9139 Email: sspld.feedback@dsdni.gov.uk | DHSSPS Primary Care Development Unit Room D3 Castle Buildings Upper Newtownards Road BELFAST BT4 3SQ Telephone:028 9052 0247 Text phone:028 9052 7668 Fax:028 9076 5624 Email: primcaredev@dhsspsni.gov.uk |
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The document is available on request in alternative formats such as Braille, large print, disc, audiocassette and in minority languages to meet the needs of those who are not fluent in English.
