‘We are looking after carers’ – health chiefs

Last year the government announced it was to allocate £400million to giving carers more breaks across the UK

However it has been reported that Primary Care Trusts, which oversee local healthcare, have not ring-fenced the money, so carers could miss out on the money they should be entitled to.

But charity Carers in Bedfordshire has said this week that this is not the case in Beds, and that this county is “one of the luckiest in the county”.

Carers in Bedfordshire CEO Yvonne Clark said: “I think Bedfordshire is one of the luckiest in the UK, certainly the Eastern region anyway,

“The actual carers grants are not ring-fenced, but I can categorically say that Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedford Borough Council and NHS Bedfordshire make sure we have all the money we are entitled to.

“The government put aside a pot of money specifically to give carers more breaks and that money is a lifeline for them.”

Jo Ward who lives in Ampthill Road, Flitwick, recently gave up his job to care full-time for his teenage son who suffers with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome.

He said: “For years we really struggled to find any help for us, but in the last year we were out in touch with Carers in Bedfordshire and they have been absolutely amazing.

“Being a carer is really hard work and my three other children are actually registered as carers as well.

“Without the help we have received I would be lost.”

Councillor Carole Hegley, executive member for adult social care, health and housing at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “In 2012 NHS Bedfordshire will be spending £400 000 on carers, which will be used to give more carers a break, to provide carers’ cafes and other schemes to provide help and support.”

If anyone thinks they may be entitled to help, they can call Carers In Bedfordshire on 01234 214914.

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