New charter to provide additional support to carers across Aberdeenshire

Local authority agrees to withdraw charges to carers for community respite.

A charter which aims to provide additional support to carers across Aberdeenshire has been endorsed by local councillors.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Social Work and Housing Committee agreed to withdraw charges to carers for community respite, as well as respite provided by dementia support workers and direct carer services at a recent meeting.

An additional recommendation was made to ensure that a series of events for carers was organised and this was agreed to take place in early 2013.

There is estimated to be 29,000 adult carers and 3,075 young carers in Aberdeenshire (2012 figures) who are providing care to family members, partners or friends of any age affected by physical or mental illness, disability, frailty or substance misuse.

VSA is one organisation the council commissions to provide carer support services and members heard that 100 carers had been allocated funding over the last year for activities ranging from weekend breaks to relaxation classes and driving lessons.

Councillor Karen Clark, chair of the committee, said: “Carers are often so busy caring they forget to take time for themselves and they do a tremendous job.

“I am delighted to see the charter in place and the council agreeing to ease the financial burden on some carers by withdrawing charges for community support and helping people to claim benefits to which they are entitled.

“Initiatives like ‘Time to Live’ show how even small amounts of funding can make a real difference to people’s lives.”