Financial help for full-time carers

2:08pm Wednesday 16th January 2002

Hertfordshire County Council has launched a £20,000 project to help full-time carers.

The Carers' Services Pilot project is aimed at giving the carer practical help if the person they are caring for refuses to be assessed or use services on offer, or if, for other reasons, they do not get a break.

If they are eligible, carers can now apply to the council for up to £500 worth of services each year to help with, for example, cleaning, gardening, transport, relaxation sessions and counselling. Council adult care services executive member Jane Pitman said: "It might mean, for example, covering travel costs for a relative to come down from Scotland for a week to look after the person and give the carer a break."

Carers who would like further information should phone either 01438 737400 or 01438 737599.