Scottish Government

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Support for carers

19/02/2008

Extra funding to strengthen support services for carers was announced today.

Over the next three years, an additional £9 million will be provided to NHS Boards across Scotland to bolster the implementation of Carer Information Strategies.

Carers will benefit from greater awareness and recognition of their role, improved provision of information and available support, with more access to training to help them cope with their caring role.

NHS staff will also be given training on how to identify unpaid carers and signpost them to local sources of support, and working closely with carers as key partners in the delivery of care.

Visiting Princess Royal Trust Voluntary Services Aberdeen Carers Centre, Minister for Public Health Shona Robison said:

"I am delighted to be in Aberdeen today to see the valuable work being done to support carers and highlight the new funding available to Health Boards to implement their Carer Information Strategies.

"It is of great importance that we identify people who unselfishly give much of their time to care for a loved one and ensure they are offered the right information, training and ongoing support.

"We currently have an ageing population and because of this many carers are elderly themselves. We need to ensure that carers do not neglect their own health and are given care and support themselves when they need it.

"The additional funding is being provided by the Scottish Government to ensure that carers are given the best possible support.

"I am pleased that NHS Grampian has taken a partnership approach in working with local carer centres in developing and implementing their Carer Information Strategy.

"In particular, I was pleased to see the involvement of the carers centre and importantly, carers and their families, in the development and implementation of the Carers Information Strategy from the outset. This is one of the strategy's strengths.

"I would urge all NHS Boards to work with local carer services, where they exist, to tap into their experience in this area and prioritise frontline services for carers.

"I am looking forward to seeing this funding making a real difference for carers across Scotland."

The new £9 million funding includes £1 million for 2008-09. 3 million is planned for for 2009-10 and £5 million for 2010-11.

NHS Carer Information Strategies - Funding Allocation