Carers missing out on £1.6m in support
Hidden carers are failing to claim the support they are entitled to.
CARERS across Redditch are missing out on more than £1.6million of support because they do not know they are entitled to it.
A total of 522 people in the borough are failing to claim carers allowance according to figures released to mark Carers Rights Day.
The benefit is worth £59.75 a week – or £3,107 a year – and is available to people aged 16 and over who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for their loved one.
There are 8,889 carers in Redditch looking after a loved one with the numbers having increased by over 1,000 in the last decade.
But charities say there are many more so-called hidden carers who are failing to claim the support they are entitled to either through a lack of advice or because they do not class themselves as a carer and instead consider it their responsibility or part of family duty.
CQC launches dementia services review
CQC launches dementia services review
The Care Quality Commission is to undertake unannounced inspections of 150 care homes and hospitals to review the care of people with dementia in England.
The news comes on the day the prime minister is hosting a G8 summit in London to develop an international plan to combat the condition.
CQC chief executive David Behan said it will be the first time the regulator has specifically reviewed care services for people with dementia. He said the CQC’s findings would create a national picture of “what works well and where improvements are required”.
iPads for kids with learning difficulties
MP visits Hackney primary school for launch of new learning scheme
DIANE ABBOTT visited a primary school to help launch a new scheme in London which will give iPads to children with learning disabilities.
The MP for Hackney North & Stoke Newington, attended Grasmere Primary School in Hackney, east London last week Friday (December 6) to raise awareness of the project.
The initiative is the brainchild of Hearts & Minds Challenge – a charity dedicated to helping families of children with autism.
By donating old mobile phones to the charity, they can go towards an exchange for an iPad. The charity needs to collect at least 185 old, broken, damaged or unwanted mobile phones in exchange for a brand new iPad with autism-friendly apps and features.
Grasmere Primary School is well known for its inclusivity for children with complex special educational needs and its close working relationship with external professionals supporting children.
