Support for informal carers

Some Member States are currently running campaigns and measures to support informal carers. Some of these aim to promote volunteer activities that support informal carers, while others are geared towards improving conditions for informal carers in paid employment (working carers).
Information on the German “Family Care Time” model (Familienpflegezeit)” can be found here.

According to the latest document on the Carers Strategy (“Recognized, valued and supported: Next steps for the Carers Strategy”), which was published in late 2010, the UK government now plans to implement personal budgets for carers and to introduce the concept of carer’s leave. Additionally, the UK’s Department of Health has launched the “Reaching Out to Carers Innovation Fund”, a scheme specifically targeted at voluntary sector organizations in England that are keen to support carers. More information on the Carers Strategy can be found here.

Since February 2011, a budget of £1.35m has been earmarked for 79 projects in this area. Further information on the “Reaching Out to Carers Innovation Fund 2010/2011” can be found here.

In 2009, the Dutch government also published a policy letter on family care and volunteering for the years 2008 – 2011 with the aim of facilitating the support of informal carers at local level.

The French national strategy on “Solidarity with the Elder Generation 2007-2012” (Plan solidarité grand âge ) includes plans for the extension of care services and temporary provision of nursing staff during holiday seasons