DHSC seeking to address challenges faced by carers
Tynwald is being asked to approve a Carers Strategy which hopes to address challenges facing those with caring responsibilities.
It's estimated that carers save the Isle of Man's economy up to £90 million each year, but many carry out those roles unpaid and at the detriment of their own wellbeing.
Charity Crossroads - which supports carers on the Island - says over the past year it's supported over 600 families and provided 150,000 hours of support to carers of all ages.
Health Minister Lawrie Hooper says the magnitude is difficult to comprehend:
Meanwhile, an Onchan MHK has criticised the new Carers Strategy, labelling the £96,000 allocated to tackling challenges faced by those in a caring role as 'disingenuous'.
The Department of Health and Social Care hopes that funding will enable it to ramp up awareness campaigns, improve access to information and train healthcare professionals.
Julie Edge queried a claim that carers save up to £90 million for the economy, suggesting the figure was likely in the region of £140 million instead.
She told the Isle of Man Government, 'it can do better':
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