New Government care scheme launches today

A Department of Health backed knowledge and skills based learning scheme for England's 4.9m unpaid carers has been launched today. The 'Caring with Confidence' programme aims to help carers make a positive difference to their lives and those of the people they care for.

New research has revealed that despite the huge number of carers in England, more than six in ten do not view themselves as de facto carers - many are, firstly friends, relatives or other associates of the people they care for, who simply assumed their caring roles as the requirement arose.

Many have to juggle part or full-time jobs in addition to their caring responsibilities, and the impact can be physically and emotionally draining. The research also revealed that nearly two thirds of carers believed their role affected their health. As a result the need to support people looking after loved ones in a flexible manner has never been greater.

To address these major issues, the programme will offer support and help to carers in all regions, through local group sessions, self-study workbooks and the internet with particular emphasis on the millions who provide care on a daily basis but don't know how to access the services and benefits available to them.

Caring with Confidence is being supported by Mike Tomlinson, husband of the hugely inspirational athlete and fundraiser Jane Tomlinson CBE, who passed away in September 2007 after a long battle with cancer. He says: "I have personal experience of caring for a loved one and it can often be an isolated and difficult experience as you struggle to balance the needs of the person you care for with your own and those of the wider family.

"Support was available but not in such a way that it could be accessed easily. The flexibility Caring with Confidence offers means that people across England will be able to access these vital support services and meet with other people in similar situations to exchange information and share knowledge."

Stephen Jacobs, OBE, Caring with Confidence Project Board Chair, adds: "The new programme will be free to carers, giving them a safe and supportive environment to explore the services available to them, look at the essentials of looking after someone and how to communicate effectively with other people to help support their needs - which will improve their own health and wellbeing and that of the person they care for."

The Caring with Confidence programme will run via a network of 32 providers throughout England. Carers will be encouraged to build on their own knowledge and skills based on a personal programme of development through both face to face sessions and distance learning.

For more information visit Caringwithconfidence.net.