Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report from the Executive Director – Adult Services and the Chief Executive of Halton Carers’ Centre, which provided information on the activity to support carers in Halton. 

It was reported that in 2024 a new All Age Carers Strategy had been agreed under the One Halton governance framework; this was attached to the report, One Halton Carers Strategy 2024-2027 and Delivery Plan.  This Strategy arose from a review of the previous Strategy, engagement with carers and the wider partnership, and incorporated changes to national guidance where this had occurred.  Halton worked with partners in the independent, voluntary and statutory sectors, to ensure a wide range of factors, engagement and types of provision that could be supported.

The Board were given details of the Council’s statutory requirement to assess carers needs, and were apprised of the number of assessments and reviews which had taken place over the last three years.  They learnt of the support available to meet carers own wellbeing needs, and were given details of the Council’s respite offer, the use of Direct Payments by carers and how the Carers Break Fund was utilised.

The Board welcomed Mr Carl Harris, Manager of Halton Carers Centre, who presented details of examples of activities being undertaken at the Centre, such as: cooking for young carers, gardening, bee keeping, First Aid training, day trips out eg. Chester Zoo, Christmas parties etc.

He explained it was important that carers had somewhere to be with other carers and for them to mix, so they knew they were not alone.   It was rewarding for him and the team at the Centre to see carers enjoying time off which was therapeutic for them. 

The following was noted after Members questions:

·       The Centre was promoted in schools and colleges but most referrals came as a result of ‘word of mouth’;

·       There were 13 staff employed at the Centre;

·       The Centre was a charity sector organisation where the Council and the ICB funded approximately 63% of the Centre’s annual budget.  The remainder came from donations from partners and grants;

·       Additional activities had taken place this year, such as sensory workshops, Dementia support groups, school holiday programme for young carers, podiatry service and Carers Week;

·       It was recognised that the life of a young carer in particular was a difficult one and they deserved all the support that was available to them;

·       A quarterly funding report was produced by the Centre and would be made available for Members to see; and

·       A regular newsletter was also produced and would be shared with Members.

Mr Harris invited all Board Members to visit the Centre at their convenience in the future.

Members welcomed the invitation and information provided and agreed that the work of the Centre was impressive and offered a great deal of support to Halton’s carers of all ages.

RESOLVED:  That the report and comments made be noted.