Do You Care? We Do.

The speaker at our meeting on Thursday, 19th September was Colin Bowman from the Lancashire Carers Service, which is a charity commissioned by Lancashire County Council to provide support and directional guidance to carers over the age of 18 years. Unpaid carers supporting a family member or a friend who provide help and support to a person who can't manage without a range of support measures. Surprisingly, giving us some facts -  Colin said in the UK there are 6.5 million carers. In Lancashire there are 100,000 carers identified in the last census and it is estimated there are a similar number who provide support but don't identify as a carer. Overall, unpaid carers are saving the government £130billion per year. There is a legal right for carers to ask for a carer's assessment. This will lead to a personal budget, help and support with the caring needs they are providing. LCS are contracted by Lancashire County Council to carry out such assessments.There is a recognition that providing care can / will eventually affect the health and wellbeing of the carer and they will  themselves become in need of some form of support, including possible hospitalisation.