Author Archives: wendy

Norfolk’s young adult carers are the focus of new project

August 6, 2012   Carers, Norfolk, young carers

The role of carers has gained a higher profile in recent years as campaigners fight to get them the recognition they deserve.

But, as VICTORIA LEGGETT reports, one group remains largely hidden.

By VIctoria leggett, Education correspondent
Monday, August 6, 2012
7:30 AM

Carers of all ages were once a group of completely overlooked, entirely unsung heroes who spent their days and nights offering vital – and unpaid – support to their family members.

And while the challenges of that selfless role have not changed, their profile has at least been raised as campaigners fight to get them the recognition they deserve.

But now a new project is hoping to reach out to an often still hidden group of carers.

The Young Adult Carers Committee, organised by Crossroads Care East Anglia and Carers Trust, has been awarded £40,000 in Health Lottery funding to establish a support network for 16 to 25-year-olds.

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Serco set to take charge of ‘big society’ initiative

August 5, 2012   Carers, charities

Charities warn against bid to run David Cameron’s programme for teenagers, the National Citizen Service

Members of Catch22 Unity in Nottingham

Members of Catch22 Unity in Nottingham. Photograph: David Sillitoe for the Guardian

Serco, a leading private contractor, is in line to win a multimillion-pound contract to run the National Citizen Service, proposed by the prime minister as a “big society”, non-military version of national service for youngsters aged over 16.

The company, which recently announced global revenue of more than £4bn, has joined four charities in a controversial bid to run what has been described by the government as a key part of David Cameron’s big society vision. Serco and its partners hope to win eight of the 19 contracts currently up for tender, with an estimated value of nearly £100m over two years.

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Plans for new sensory centre in Ilminster for families with autism

August 4, 2012   autism, Carers

A NEW sensory centre in Ilminster will be opened by Yeovil MP David Laws later this year.

The centre will provide support, advice, a sensory room and a play area for carers and families affected by Autistic Spectrum Disorder or other varying complex needs.

After the official opening at 10.30am on September 14 the centre will stay open for families and carers to drop in and talk to the founders about the support available.

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