A charity that supports carers is working with GPs in Salford to implement a new scheme enabling GPs to prescribe a break for carers who are in need of temporary respite from their caring roles.
Carers Trust in Greater Manchester, formerly Crossroads Care, says the scheme will provide up to 150 unpaid carers in Salford with a minimum four-hour respite break. This is to support people who might be caring for a relative, friend or neighbour with any illness or disability.
Paul Parlby, CEO of Carers Trust in Greater Manchester explains why this scheme is so important:
“Carers do an incredible job but their responsibilities can often impact on their own health and wellbeing. They all need and deserve a break now and again but sometimes they are either unable to, or do not want to, leave the person they are caring for. There are thousands of carers who are hidden away within our communities and we are hoping that by working with GPs we can reach those carers for whom a break would be invaluable.”
The scheme is part of an over-arching objective to proactively identify more unpaid carers and ensure they are receiving the support, advice and information that they need. Funding for the scheme is through Salford’s Clinical Commissioning Group’s Innovation Fund. Carers Trust has already piloted a similar project in Rochdale with very positive outcomes including improved health and quality of life. Paul Parlby comments:
“Giving a carer a break reduces stress levels and can enable them to care for longer. We must raise awareness of the scheme amongst GPs and also carers themselves, who should not be afraid of discussing the scheme and their needs with their own GP.”
He continues:
“We are also creating more jobs in the area as demand for quality care continues to increase. Fifteen-minute care visits have been in the news recently, but that’s not what we do. Our Carer Support Workers have a one hour minimum visit.”
Ask at your GP’s surgery for more information or contact Carers Trust in Salford on 0161 787 9002 to find out more about the scheme and also how to join the Carers Trust team.
