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Paul Dimoldenberg |
‘You couldn’t care less about young carers’
Labour say helpers don’t get support
YOUNG carers in the borough are “isolated and unsupported”, according to the Labour Group, who accuse the council of ignoring their needs.
Speaking at a council meeting last week, Labour group leader Paul Dimoldenberg said Westminster’s 10,000 carers were undervalued and had been let down by the council.
He said: “Carers, especially the hidden set of younger carers, have complex needs. Many can become isolated and often find it difficult to obtain relief in the form of a holiday.
“We all owe a great debt to carers, yet they often feel isolated and unsupported by the community.
“Westminster’s carers deserve services of the same high quality as the care they provide for those they care for.”
He went on to say that with an ageing population, it is crucial that carers are aware of the benefits they are entitled to.
Cllr Dimoldenberg said: “Many of them don’t get the financial support they need because they don’t recognise the caring role they have or are confused about the benefits they and the people they care for can claim.
“There will be many more people caring in the decades to come – including younger carers – and they all need to be supported in different ways. We call on Westminster Conservatives, with over £77 million in the bank, to give higher priority to carers.”
The council denied ignoring carers, saying support structures are in place.
Council health chief Marian Harrington said: “Westminster Council already helps nearly 1,000 carers in the city with tasks such as cleaning and shopping to help ease the pressures of caring for a loved one can create.
“The council is also a strong advocate of the Carers Network and the great support it offers. The charity is part funded by Westminster council and ensures that hundreds of carers across the city get all the help they need.
“The council works closely with the network and will continue to help the charity to offer more workshops, support and special events in the coming months.” |
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