The project piloted 2 different styles of working in Doctor's surgeries to raise awareness of carers' issues, set up systems to identify the carers on their patients lists, provide information for carers and professionals, develop support services, etc. The project now operates in most of the surgeries in Torbay, with Viv Dodwell employed by the consortium as the GP Carers' Worker.

The evaluation report highlights a number of interesting findings. For example, the importance of giving all the stakeholders sufficient time to explore the expectations of the project, and the helpfulness of the involvement of different agencies. Overall, the report concluded that the project demonstrated "clear benefit to carers and therefore to the practices", and that "the development of support systems for carers, whether through new groups adding new services, to be an outstanding achievement of the project".

If anybody would like a copy of either the full 60-page report, or a 14 page summary of the report, please contact us (details on the back).

Two types of grant are available - for individual young carers or for groups. The maximum limit for an individual to help them fulfil a personal wish is £300. Groups which can put on activities benefiting young carers of people with MS can apply for up to £100 or young carer or £1,000 in total.

The closing date for applications is 13 September, and the information packs can be obtained from the MS Society HQ, 25 Effie Rd, London, SW6 1EE.

The recommendations are based on research about carers that has taken place over the last few years, together with examples of good practice that that have been developed by local carers projects from around the country. The strategy concentrates on 3 main areas for developing services: information, support and caring for carers. Carers and employment, and young carers, are also given high priority.

The strategy is over 80 pages long, but it is quite readable (for a Government document!). If you would like a copy, let us have your name and address, and we can arrange for one to be sent to you directly.

These amounts increase by about 21/2 times in Year 2, and 31/2 times in Year 3. This is in addition to the annual budget already ring-fenced for carers by Devon and Torbay, following the arrival of the Carers' Act.

Social Services must involve carers in planning how to spend this money, otherwise they will not get their grant. If you want a say in this, South Devon Carers' Consortium runs a groups and forums for this in each of the areas it covers, so call us for details

It is for carers or anybody with a health-related question or concern, eg about physical ailments, mental health issues, sources of support, etc. The helpline has direct access to the Ambulance Control, in case they feel the caller's situation warrants it. It also holds information about local services and self help groups.

0845 4647

Trained Parent Advisors give information and advice to any parent, relative or professional via their Contact Line. They can also put parents in touch with other parents where their children have similar conditions, or support networks where they exist. Tel (0171) 383 3555

RUKBA gives priority to people who have devoted their personal or professional lives to others, ie carers, teachers, nurses, missionaries, etc. Applicants must be of pensionable age (or over 40 and unable to work through disability), and have income below certain limits. If you would like to apply for assistance, or you know someone who might benefit, please contact the Applicants Officer, RUKBA, Freepost, 6 Avonmore Rd, London, W14 8BR.

Copies can be obtained by sending a cheque for £5 (made out to the Health Education Authority) to HEA Customer Service, PO Box 269, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4YN.

Discovering Huntington's Disease in the family is a traumatic experience, leading to feelings of isolation and exhaustion. The local branch offers mutual support, information and literature, either on a one-to-one basis, or by way of quarterly meetings. If you want to know more, the local contacts are Peter and Shakila Frier on (01803) 312588.