Three Year Plan Aims to improve the lives of Carers
30th January 2008
A new strategy which maps out future plans to support carers in Neath Port Talbot was launched on Friday at the Aberavon Beach Hotel.
Photograph: pictured cutting the cake to celebrate the launch of the Neath Port Talbot Joint Carers Strategy (from left to right) are Dr Hywel Francis MP, carer Beverly Symonds and Cllr. Paul Thomas
The Neath Port Talbot Joint Carers Strategy has been developed by local statutory bodies, voluntary organisations and carers with the aim of improving the quality of life for carers and the people they care for.
The Strategy sets out the services already available to support carers in the county borough and a three year action plan for improving support which includes co-ordinating a range of events for carers, training staff on carers' issues, producing a carers information handbook, identifying the number of young carers in the area and exploring ways of offer training opportunities for carers. It is hoped that carers will see developments which are of real practical benefit to them.
The launch event was chaired by Neath Port Talbot Council's Carers Champion Cllr. Paul Thomas with Dr. Hywel Francis MP as guest speaker. There were also presentations by representatives from partner organisations including Neath Port Talbot Local Health Board, Neath Port Talbot CVS and NPT Carers Action Movement.
Dr Hywel Francis said:
"I am delighted to be here at the launch of the Neath Port Talbot Joint Carers Strategy. This is a real new beginning for local carers. I am especially pleased with the way in which the Local Authority is working with carers organisations and the local health board. I really feel that people are pulling together for the benefit of carers."
For a copy of Neath Port Talbot Carers Strategy, contact Liz Griffiths -Hughes, Service Development Officer on 01639 763376 or email [email protected]
For more information please contact Anita Thomas, Communications Officer on 01639 763195
Notes to Editor:
A carer is anyone who looks after a relative or friend or neighbour who needs support because of an illness, particular need or special condition, and is unpaid.
18,923 people in Neath Port Talbot identified themselves as having a caring role in the 2001 Census 2001.
