Issued: 20 November 2003
Carers Strategy For Angus
There are approximately 9,500 people in Angus with caring responsibilities and nearly a quarter of those spend more than 50 hours a week on caring tasks.
A new strategy for the development of services to support carers has been drawn up by Angus Council in conjunction with NHS Tayside, voluntary sector agencies and carers themselves
The Angus Carers Strategy, agreed by the council's Social Work & Health committee on 20 November, aims to ensure that carers needs are considered alongside the needs of the people they care for.
Social Work & Health convener Glennis Middleton said that without appropriate support carers can become isolated, with some unable to carry on.
"In each of our communities there are carers looking after adults or children who are frail, ill, have a disability, special needs or have mental health problems and to varying degrees the lives of these carers is affected as a consequence.
"While there are already a number of carer support services available in Angus the new carers strategy provides the framework for the co-ordinated planning and development of these services, to better meet the needs of carers."
The Angus Carers Strategy also looks at how hidden carers can be identified. New rights for carers have recently been introduced through legislation which aims to identify the support carers need to continue to care. Carers may also be entitled to a Carers Allowance but not all carers entitled to do so claim this allowance.
Any carer looking for further information about the support services available or advice should contact the Angus Carers Centre on 01241 439157.