Carers: Coronavirus

(asked on 30th December 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the mental health of unpaid young carers.


Answered by
Helen Whately Portrait
Helen Whately
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
This question was answered on 18th January 2021

The Government recognises the vital role of all unpaid carers play during the pandemic, and we are working with carers organisations to assess and understand their needs and how best to support them.

We have:

- provided funding to Carers UK to extend their support phoneline;

- provided funding to Carers Trust to make onward grants to provide support to unpaid carers experiencing loneliness during the pandemic;

- produced a leaflet to help carers identify themselves on discharge from hospital;

- published guidance specifically for carers and young carers, which includes further information about sources of support including looking after their own health and wellbeing;

- funded the See, Hear, Respond service, delivered by Barnardo’s to provides rapid support to children, young people and families who are affected by COVID-19 and includes a dedicated young carers hub with helpful resources;

- worked with the Social Care Institute for Excellence to publish guidance on reopening day services which we know provide important respite to carers; and

- ensured unpaid carers can continue to claim Carer’s Allowance if they need to self-isolate and recognised time providing emotional support as part of the 35 hours a week Carers Allowance care threshold.

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