PEOPLE in Leicester who help to look after a friend, neighbour or relative have until Sunday (25 June) to help shape a new service that will support them from July 2024.
By providing their views in an online survey, those who help others as unpaid carers will help ensure that a new carer support service commissioned by Leicester City Council meets their needs.
According to the 2021 Census, there are around 30,000 carers in Leicester, although the actual number is believed to be much higher.
Anyone who – on an unpaid basis – supports and cares for a family member or friend living with a disability, long-term illness, substance misuse or a mental health need, and who would not manage without their help, can be defined as a carer.
“Many people don’t think that the help they provide to someone would be considered as care work, but simple things like collecting prescriptions, doing shopping, or helping someone with forms or phone calls could all be classed as caring responsibilities,” said deputy city mayor for social care Cllr Sarah Russell.
“We want to hear from everyone who fulfils this important role and want to understand the needs and experiences of carers in Leicester as we look to commission our next carer support service.
“By taking a few minutes to tell us your views, you will help to ensure that the new service offers the right support to you, and the thousands of other carers who do such essential work across Leicester.
“The Leicester Carers’ Support Service provides a wide range of help, from peer support groups and carers’ cafés to specialist support for those caring for people with dementia.
“Carers also have access to short breaks, which can provide valuable respite from a demanding role, and one-to-one emotional support, as well as help with navigating the health and social care systems.
“I would encourage anyone who’s a carer to find out about the help and advice that’s available to them by getting in touch with the Leicester Carers’ Support Service, and to make their views known by completing our online survey.”
The Leicester Carers’ Support Service can be contacted on 0116 222 0538 or by email at carers@ageukleics.org.uk
The carers’ survey is available here and the consultation closes on Sunday (25 June).
Feedback from the survey will guide the city council when it commissions its next carer support service contract, which will begin on 1 July 2024.