In Parliament

Jessica Raises Young Carers Issues with Minister 06 May 2008

Jessica Morden MP for Newport East quizes Minister in debate on New Deal for Carers 

 

Jessica Morden MP meets charity ambassador and

TV & Film actress, Pam Ferris, to show  support for carers in Newport East

 

After meeting with Carers from Newport East Jessica asked the Minister the following question during Health Questions;  

Jessica Morden (Newport, East) (Lab): What progress has been made in developing the new deal for carers; and if he will make a statement. [203363]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Mr. Ivan Lewis): We have already given councils in England an extra £25 million to allow them to provide emergency cover for carers. We have committed to a further £25 million a year for the next three years. We are progressing work on the information helpline, which will give carers access to reliable information and enable them to access services and support for themselves and the person they care for. Finally, work on the revised national carers strategy is progressing well and we will publish the new 10-year strategy shortly.

Jessica Morden: May I welcome the consultation's emphasis on young carers and the role that they play? The young carers whom I met recently say that they often feel isolated and weighed down with responsibility. They miss school and can miss out on a social life. What specific help will be targeted on that group?

Mr. Lewis: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We do not want any children to have their childhood stolen as a result of fulfilling inappropriate caring responsibilities. It is not for politicians to stop children wanting to love a parent who may be dependent because of illness. None of us should want to stop that, nor will we ever be able to do it, but we must ensure that no child is expected to fulfil inappropriate caring responsibilities. That is why for the first time we have made it clear to adult services that, when they assess the needs of an adult with an illness or a social care need, they must make sure that they are not leaving a child in that position. It is also why the forthcoming strategy must look into expanding the number of support groups for young carers. One thing that children and young people say is that it is much easier for them to talk to other young people in the same situation as themselves than it can be to talk to other teenagers, who find it alien.

 

Read the full debate on the New Deal for Carers - Link to Hansard