09/10/2012 - Permalink

Feedback sought from Shropshire carers

Related topics: Community / Health

Carers in Shropshire are being asked for their views on what support they value and what further initiatives might help them in their day-to-day lives. 

Hundreds of people in the county are being invited by Shropshire Council to take part in the Caring For Others survey.  A carer is someone who provides substantial care on a regular basis to a partner, family member or friend. 

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, said:

“Carers provide an invaluable role in our community, helping others to remain independent and in their own homes, and we want to ensure we are providing the best support possible to them.

“We have been developing the support provided to carers by progressing actions outlined in the Carers Strategy for Shropshire 2011-14 and are looking to build on this work.

“This national survey gives us another opportunity to hear how support affects carers’ quality of life, and if they are missing out on any services which could make their lives easier.  The results will provide information from which to further enhance support services and initiatives.

“We would urge anyone who receives a questionnaire to make sure they fill it in.”

The survey runs until Friday 30 November 2012.

The survey has gone to a random sample of carers aged 18 or over, caring for someone aged 18 or over, and who have been assessed by Shropshire Council in the last 12 months.

Ann Hartley added:

“While the number of carers receiving assessments is increasing, there are more carers in Shropshire that have not yet been assessed who we want to help.  We are working to identify and help as many carers as possible, so if you are a carer who is not currently receiving any support please get in touch.”

For further information about the Caring For Others survey, please call Tracy Bennett on 01743 253898 or email tellus@shropshire.gov.uk.

For more information about the support available to carers and how to get an assessment, go to shropshire.gov.uk/adultcarer.nsf or call 0345 678 9044.

Further information 

There are a number of ways Shropshire Council can offer support to carers including: 

  • financial support (carers direct payment)
  • access to training
  • respite care
  • leisure opportunities
  • support to return to, or remain in work.