Issue - items at meetings - Support for Carers

Report of Executive Director of Adult Services (copy attached).

(1)       That the support available for carers, funded jointly between Adult Social Care and the Clinical Commissioning Group, is noted.

(2)       That the projects and activities, aimed at further improving the services for carers, are noted.

38.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Adult Services which gave information on the current support available for carers within Brighton and Hove, funded through joint commissioning arrangements between Adult Social Care and the Clinical Commissioning Group.  The report also outlined the future developments aimed at further improving the support to carers locally. The report was presented by the Commissioning Manager.   

38.2    Councillor Meadows referred to Appendix  2 – Outcomes and Action Plan.  She asked about the cost implications of having services in place long enough for carers to work full day (8am to 6pm).  Councillor Meadows referred to Appendix 3 which reported that the government were providing additional funding.  She asked what the percentage would be for Brighton & Hove and whether the money would be ring fenced for carers.  Councillor Meadows referred to the fourth bullet point on the first page of Appendix 4 relating to local intelligence.  This showed that most carers who did not feel safe had either been jointly assessed, assessed by non-statutory agencies or assessed at access point.  Councillor Meadows asked how agencies disseminated information.     

38.3    The Commissioning Manager replied that there was an aspiration for carers to be in employment.  There would be a work plan in the New Year which would support carers in obtaining employment.  Officers would work with local businesses to help achieve this aim.  The funding would be made from the community care budget.   Work would be commencing in the New Year to look at data regarding carers.  The Commissioning Manager said she would be happy to bring this information back to the Committee.  The percentage of government funding was not yet known.   Meanwhile, there was a great deal of work being achieved around training and assessment.

38.4    The Executive Director reported that there was yet to be an announcement about funding.

38.5    Councillor Mears stated that it was an excellent report and presentation.  She expressed concern that some young carers were as young as 7. She would be very interested in seeing further information on that subject. 

38.6    Councillor Marsh hoped the 7 year olds had a dedicated person they could talk to.  She wanted reassurance that young carers could go to school.  She asked how branding could be taken forward.

38.7    The Commissioning Manager replied that young carer’s assessments were carried out by the young carer’s project.  There were still some concerns about who took responsibility for young carers.  Joint assessments were now planned.  The role of adult social care was to eliminate inappropriate assessments.  With regard to carers in school there was a project which helped children use Skype in school.  With regard to rebranding, carers were now given a voucher or token. 

38.8    Councillor Meadows asked how the health service impacted on this work.  The Commissioning Manager explained that her role was jointed funded by the council and CCG.  She stated that all health professionals should be more aware due to the carers register.  The council and CCG worked closely with the hospitals. 

38.9    Geraldine Hoban informed the Committee that carers support was a key part of the service.  She stressed that carers support would need to be strengthened even further. 

38.10  RESOLVED  - (1)     That the support available for carers, funded jointly between Adult Social Care and the Clinical Commissioning Group, is noted.

(2)       That the projects and activities, aimed at further improving the services for carers, are noted.