…is a new report, commissioned by Carers UK, which calculates how much carers’ save the Government at £57.4 billion a year! This is equivalent to the cost of the NHS every year - a figure we can’t afford to ignore, but a price that carers pay every day.

The report concludes that the dramatic rise in the value of the work done by carers serves as an important warning to policy makers about the extent to which our economy relies on the care provided by carers. It shows that if only a small percentage were to give up caring, the impact would be significant in economic terms.

The report goes on to recommend that all carers should have a new status which recognises that they make a unique contribution to society.

Longer-term planning must ensure there is sufficient investment in flexible support services for people with disabilities and carers. The tax and benefits system must ensure that people who have a series of caring responsibilities do not face poverty as a result, and that employers should ensure that their work-life balance policies include statements about supporting carers.

If you would like to obtain a copy of the full report contact Carers UK on 020 7490 8818. The cost of the report is £5.

During the autumn and winter months, lifestyle consultant Caroline Harris is running four ‘Caring for Carers’ courses in Torquay and Newton Abbot.

These courses are designed to help carers with some of the stresses, inner tensions and emotional issues that are part and parcel of caring.

BS of Paignton writes

If your child goes into respite care you naturally want to be involved in the process. Ideally, you and your child should be involved in all the stages of decision-making. Sadly this often doesn’t happen, and the result is a child going into respite with none of the essential information that you could provide to make their stay a happy experience.

‘Hello, This is Me’ by Helen Laverty and Mary Reet (Jessica Kingsley Publishers) offers a new approach which centres on the child’s abilities, recognises increasing independence, and provides a simple way of assessing and planning his or her care.

Part of the National Service Framework for Older people concentrates on the prevention of falls, and much of the advice applies to us all.

• 60% of falls occur in the home

• 10% of falls occur on the stairs and result in serious injury

• 20% of falls occur at night

What are the sorts of causes we should be aware of?

• Poor lighting

• Steep stairs

• Loose carpets/rugs

• Badly fitting footwear

• Badly maintained or inappropriate safety equipment

• Inaccessible windows

• Climbing steps and ladders to carry out DIY or cleaning

• Not keeping stairs and landings free from clutter

• Not holding onto the handrail

...with a day for relaxation, fun and enjoyment for carers. Time just for yourself! Some of the activities include:

• Relaxation/visualisation techniques

• Gentle exercise on the breath

• Guided meditation

• Inspirational music

• Sharing some self-help ideas

• Poetry / art / games / song / dance

This ‘recharging’ event-with-a-difference will be held at Sharpham House, Ashprington (near Totnes) on Thursday 12 September 2002, between 10.30am-4.30pm. The cost to family carers will be £2.00 and places are strictly limited.

• Would you like regular, up to date information about the support and services available to you?

• Would you like to have your say about future services?

Then join your local Carers Link, membership is free and entirely voluntary.

Carers are invited to an informal coffee morning to have some light-hearted discussion and friendly chat with good company. This runs on the 3rd Friday of every month (ie 16 August, 20 September, 18 October, etc), 10.00 to 12.00, in the Methodist Church Hall, Totnes.

• Would you like regular, up to date information about the support and services available to you?

• Would you like to have your say about future services?

Then join your local Carers Link, membership is free and entirely voluntary.

All sitters have been carefully vetted. They are trained for the tasks that they might undertake (with the exception of qualified nursing duties).

There is a charge for the service, but many carers are eligible for a reduced rate if they are in receipt of Income Support.

You can contact them on a range of issues such as:

If you have a relative or friend (whatever their age) who is ill and needs help and care, or if any of your family and friends have mobility needs, please contact them for advice.

Encouraging progress is being made in the involvement of carers in Torbay Partnership Committee’s task groups. People are coming forward to represent carers’ views, and are reporting a responsive dialogue about concerns they raise.

Carers for adults with learning disabilities have been meeting monthly since April to discuss and feed issues into the Learning Disabilities Partnership Board. Through their representative, carers are receiving information and making suggestions about such issues as avoiding crisis management, supported housing, day care services, concerns of older carers, and transition for children to adult services.

Parents caring for children with disabilities under 18 have also met to identify common concerns. Access to information, respite care and ways of integrating pupils with special needs were amongst the hot topics discussed and being taken by reps to the relevant task group. Meanwhile, a group on children’s equipment, and a steering group for a new service for children with challenging behaviour, also have carer participants. Others have volunteered to be on an NHS Trust working party on hospital admissions for children with special needs.

Issues affecting carers for older people are coming into the spotlight too, with the advent this autumn of Care Direct (a help line for older people), concerns about protection of adults in care, and central government talking about a “third age” agenda. If you care for an older person, what topics are high on your agenda that you’d like to see raised with the Older Persons Board? Come and discuss this on Monday 12 August, 2-4pm at Parkfield House, 38 Esplanade Road, Paignton.

So, whether you have interest in becoming a rep, want to pass on some concerns, or simply want to receive details of appropriate carers discussion meetings, please let the Participation Scheme know your contact details and any special areas of interest.

...then why not go along to the Paignton/Brixham Carers Support Group. They meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, at 2pm, at Age Concern, Dendy Road, Paignton.

Supported by Torbay Council, Torbay Primary Care Trust, Torbay Partnership Committee and South Devon Carers Consortium, the group offers a regular meeting for carers and professionals, support, discussion, advice, and speakers on relevant topics. Sitters and transport can be arranged.