Bradford Council urges carers to make use of support services
2 Feb 2021,
Bradford Council is reminding those unpaid and family carers about the range of services available to support them which they can access, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Unpaid and family carers are being urged to access this support to help make their lives, and the lives of the people they care for, easier during this difficult period. Bradford Council funds community organisations to deliver services as well as providing some support directly. They are highlighting the services available to make sure the army of people supporting relatives or close friends get the help they need.
You can find more information on Bradford Council’s support for carers webpage.
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said:
“Unpaid and family carers across the District do so much to look after and support loved ones on a day to day basis and we want to make sure they get access to these services to help them deal with the additional pressures placed on them during this time.”
Time Out and Shared Lives services:
Bradford Council’s Time Out and Shared Lives services are available through the Adult Service Access Point. Following assessment of need these services can provide a range of support for unpaid carers, further details are available on the Council’s Time Out webpage or by calling 01274 435400.
Carers Resource:
Carers Resource are offering help to those that have taken on caring responsibilities recently or those that have seen their caring responsibilities increased due to COVID-19 restrictions. This includes those helping a friend or family member through mental health issues and substance misuse issues as well as through illness or disability.
Any carer with questions or concerns can contact the freephone advice line Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm on 0808 501 5939.
Carer Navigator service:
Carer Resource also provide carers and their loved ones with support through the hospital based Carer Navigator service to ensure they have the home based support they need. This service was put in place before the COVID-19 pandemic but is an even more valuable service to carers at this time.
The main office telephone line 01274 449660 remains open between 8.30am and 5pm each day and staff are available. Our website is being regularly updated and we will share useful and relevant information via our website and our social media pages.
Chris Whiley, the CEO at Carers Resource said, “We are still here to help and keen to support those who need us during these challenging times. If you have any questions or concerns, call our bespoke to speak directly to our specialist team”.
HoliBreak+
Equality Together is launching HoliBreak+ from 1st February 2021 – an alternative to respite for Carers and Disabled people and is funded by Bradford Metropolitan District Council. The HoliBreak+ team will start to work with carers and disabled people to explore, plan and book ‘Alternatives to Respite’ in the form of activities, trips, breaks and accessible holidays for when restrictions ease in relation to COVID-19. Mark Nicholson at Equality Together said: “All carers and disabled people need a little ‘Me Time’ and the opportunity to look forward to creating memorable moments. Whether it is a leisurely long weekend on a canal barge, a sun filled holiday of relaxation or an action-packed skiing adventure, HoliBreak+ offers choice for individuals to take a well-deserved break with the accessibility that they need and deserve.”.
The HoliBreak+ Team can be contacted on 01274 594173.
