Respite support for Denbighshire carers

Denbighshire County Council is informing unpaid carers of the support available to access short respite breaks.

This allows them to balance a life alongside caring, which is important not only for the carer, but also for the person they care for.

Carers Week, which takes place between June 7-13, is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

As part of its work to support unpaid carers in the county, the Council can help them access a wealth of support from local and national organisations including short breaks, a sitting service and direct payments.

Having a carer’s needs assessment is a right all unpaid carers have if they care for an adult or disabled child and assessments are carried out by North East Wales Carers Information Service (NEWCIS), commissioned by Denbighshire County Council.

This assessment allows the unpaid carer to explain the impact caring has on them and their life and to explore a range of options.

This could include a break from caring, such as overnight stays in a local hotel, arranged through NEWCIS, domiciliary agency workers providing a sitting service or the Bridging the Gap voucher to provide home help to allow short periods of respite.

Other support includes options for the cared for person to have a short term stay in local residential homes or extra care housing schemes.

Denbighshire County Council has also recently refurbished two properties in Ruthin and Corwen, to allow respite stays and bookings are managed through the Council.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire’s Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “Unpaid carers play a pivotal role in our society and the Council values the important contribution they play as part of our workforce, services and communities.

“The offer of respite gives unpaid carers an opportunity to take time out and ensures the cared for person is still looked after. I would encourage unpaid carers in the county to contact the Council for a carer’s assessment so we can see what support is available to them.”

As part of its Corporate Plan, the Council has committed to supporting unpaid carers by improving the services that exist and ensuring young, young adult, parent and adult carers are aware of the support available to them.

Cllr Ann Davies, the Council’s Carers Champion, said: “There is a huge burden of responsibility on the shoulders of unpaid carers, who come from all walks of life, and can feel lonely and isolated, but get on with what is a vital task.

“There are thousands of adult and child carers in Wales and the numbers are increasing. I welcome this support being offered to unpaid carers.”

You can find out more by contacting the Council’s Single Point of Access on 0300 4561000 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or email spoa@denbighshire.gov.uk