£1.2m boost for carer support

A NEW £1.2 million scheme to improve services for carers in the Lothians has been announced.

The strategy, which has been developed in partnership with local councils, will seek to train health service staff to assist carers and identify their needs.

Heather Tierney-Moore, director of nursing at NHS Lothian, said: "Carers do a tough and selfless job and it's important they have the information and training to allow them to continue to care effectively while looking after their own health.

"We want to help make their lives easier and let them know that there is a variety of help and support out there. We also want to enable our staff, through additional training, to identify and assist carers."

The Carer Information Strategy has been developed in partnership with local authorities, voluntary carer organisations, carers, managers and staff.

Its aim is to raise awareness of and improve access to the services available to carers.

Councillor Paul Edie said: "This is a welcome government and NHS initiative which will compliment our own work to offer support to carers."