The Chairman welcomed Mr Turner from Carers First to the meeting.  Mr. Turner reported that Carers First worked in West Kent, Medway, Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.  He explained that there were more older people than there used to be and that money from Central Government was being cut.  Local Authorities had to transform Adult Social Services for supporting carers.  It was estimated that it was saved society £119 billion per year for funding for carers.

In the 2011 census 15,777 people had said that they were a carer.  Out of this figure 652 were carers that spent 50 hours or more caring for someone who had a Sevenoaks post code.  There were currently no figures available on a District-wide basis.  There were a number of people who were carers but were not seen as carers until relationships broke down or health situations deteriorated and then Adult Social Services and hospitals become involved.  The service provided now allowed for carers to contact Carers First and for home visits.

Mr. Turner tabled a diagram of the Carer Support Model which illustrated the different ways support could be given.  There had been investments in life coaching which was having a positive affect on carers.  The carers assessment worked on a 6 month process where carers were contacted at least 3 times to see how they were, and discussed ways in which they could develop.  The telephone services also allowed Carers First to check how the carers were.  It was also a time when an assessment can be made regarding the breakdown of relationships particularly with dementia and other mental health problems. 

Mr. Turner informed the Board that they were working to raise awareness of dementia and had identified the barriers and changes that organisations needed to make to help become more dementia friendly.  Mr. Turner explained that there was a holistic approach with other organisations and services to intervene early before a carers relationship broke down.  This was helped by the model that had been implemented as it had brought carers to the system.

In response to questions Mr. Turner explained that North West Kent Carers, at the time that Carers First had been commissioned to provide services in their area, had made 60 referrals for carers who might benefit from help provided by Carers First. The number of carers was increasing from 1,900.  In response to questions, he explained that abuse of older people was widespread and that the organisation had safeguarding policies and training in place. 

Members expressed an interest in the literature provided, and questioned whether it was used in local communities to help carers hear of Carers First. A Member suggested that a way to get the information in to GP surgeries was through the Patient Participation Group (PPG). Members also suggested ways in which the District Council could be involved. This was through website links, Inshape and literature packs in reception.  Members could also have the information packs to provide to residents in their wards.

Action 2: That the Chief Officer for Communities and Business circulate the packs to Members from Mr Turner.