Services for Carers in Devon will not be axed
Carers assured their services are secure
CLAIMS that there have been cutbacks in services for carers in Devon have been firmly dismissed.
Devon County Council has responded to suggestions that a recent announcement which included the launch of a new telephone helpline did not mention that alternative support for carers were being axed.
The Echo was told by sources that Learning Disability Forums across Devon were being cut, with carer development workers being made redundant and the volunteer chairmen of the forums being told their services were no longer required.
It was claimed this came as a result of renegotiation of a contract for carer services in Devon.
But the county council has categorically refuted the claims. Councillor Stuart Barker, who has responsibility for carers, said: “Devon County Council has increased the support for carers and increased the money allocated to providing services to carers.
“All support groups and forums will continue and there have been no job losses.
“The changes came about after consultation with carers and various organisations who represent carers.
“The new local carers support team is contacting all carers who were supported individually through the old contract to let them know of the extra new services that will be available.
“The new service is much more joined up and ensures that all kinds of carers are getting the support they need from one place.
“We are expecting in excess of 8,500 carers to be supported through the improved contract, including 1,500 young carers, the exact baseline will be known by the end of December.”
He added: “There is an additional budget of £1.2 million invested in enabling carers to access short breaks this year.
“This also includes a take-a-break sitting service, small grants for individual carers and funds available for voluntary sector organisations to bid for to provide various activities around the county.”
Carers will be able to access the following services through the helpline: support and information at the “first stop” from the helpline advisor; a network of local carers’ support workers who provide face-to-face support.
The Echo’s We Care campaign calls for a fair deal for carers and those they care for.
http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/Carers-assured-services-secure/story-13807639-detail/story.html
