A pilot for a new scheme to provide information and advice to carers and to assess their needs will launch in November.
The scheme is a joint initiative between the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Crossroads Care.
The pilot exercise has been developed to help inform the Department on the likely demands and resources required to implement carers assessments under the Social Services Act 2011.
These assessments will account for the needs of carers, such as a desire to work or undertake education, training and leisure activities which may be impacted upon by their commitments as a carer.
Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle MHK, said:
"This pilot is an important and positive development and I am delighted that we continue to build on our strong partnership with Crossroads Care.
'Carers play a vital role in supporting loved ones who have long term care needs, and their work can often go unnoticed. It is essential that we offer them appropriate information, advice and assess their own needs in order to support them to continue to care. I look forward to receiving the outcomes of the pilot and looking at how we can successfully implement the scheme for all carers in the future.'
Crossroads Care Chief Executive, Jackie Betteridge, said:
'As the Island's primary organisation working for the benefit of carers and those they care for, Crossroads Care has been working towards a Carers Assessment for many years. Anyone can become a carer at any time, if you look after a loved one then I would urge you to come forward and have an assessment of your needs, have a voice, have your say and hopefully together we can find the support you need to keep caring.'
Any carer who would like to request an assessment of their needs should contact the Department on +44 1624 686179. Further information on carer assessments and support is also available from Crossroads Care on +44 1624 673103.
