Assembly unanimously agree to new carers' legislation

Following a debate at the Assembly plenary session yesterday, Carers Wales is delighted that Assembly Members voted unanimously in favour of Helen Mary Jones' legislative competence order (LCO).

The LCO is now required to proceed through various legislative stages, but the measure that will follow will place a duty on health and social services to be proactive in identifying carers and inform them of their rights.

Every year about 120,000 people in Wales become carers. This often happens suddenly as a result of an accident, the diagnosis of a serious or long term illness or the birth of a disabled child. At a distressing time, not knowing where to go for advice or who to turn to for help can make the situation much worse.

In the early stages of caring, research shows that 65 per cent of people did not recognise themselves as carers in the first year of caring, and for a third 32 per cent, recognition took five years. Carers need information as early as possible otherwise they can miss out on financial and practical support. Through lack of information carers struggle to get the help they need when they need it, and often pay a heavy price in terms of their own health and well-being.

Roz Williamson, Director, Carers Wales said: "We are very pleased that this LCO received unanimous cross-party support and that the Assembly has recognised the valuable contribution that carers make to society. Most people fail to recognise themselves as carers, they simply accept that looking after someone close to them is part and parcel of family life. This is the first crucial step in ensuring that carers are identified at an early stage and ensure that they get the information about the help or services they need"

Helen Mary Jones AM said: "I am extremely proud and pleased that the Assembly has given its unanimous support to my proposed LCO. This is the first important step in ensuring that health and social service providers identify carers, inform them of their rights and make sure they are aware of all the financial and support services that are available to them".

Carers Wales will continue to work closely with the Assembly during the progression of this LCO.