Plan to support 'hugely important' unpaid carers

A council has suggested awarding £1.7m to services that support "hugely important" unpaid carers in a city.

Peterborough City councillors were being asked to authorise contracts for £1.14m to a service supporting adult carers and £566,000 to one aimed at helping young carers.

A council report produced ahead of a meeting on Tuesday said there were 608 active carers in the city, of which 146 were young carers aged under the age of 18.

It said support for carers was important to ensure "[They] are recognised, valued, and supported to maintain their caring role as long as possible".

It cited research suggesting that unpaid carers contributed £162bn to the economy in England and Wales each year.

The report said: "It is widely acknowledged that unpaid carers provide a hugely important role in saving the economy money, and they should be suitably supported."

The contracts would be awarded for up to five years to Making Space, an organisation supporting adult carers, and Centre 33, which supports children and young people.

The report said many carers reported "feeling overwhelmed at the start of their caring journey" and wanted to be able to access information and advice more easily.

It said young people making the transition to caring as an adult often found this challenging, while carers of all ages expressed the need to take a break from their role.

The providers would give carers an introductory pack explaining the basics of how to navigate the system.

The council also said the providers would identify carers at risk of domestic abuse and introduce an evening carers' group for those working during the day, "ensuring the groups reach a broader range of carers".

The council's cabinet has been asked to authorise both contracts at its meeting on Tuesday.

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