CARERS are being offered help so they can take a short break away from looking after a loved one.
Darlington Borough Council has launched a Carer Break voucher scheme to ensure people caring for a relative or friend can arrange for someone to take over their role while they take time off.
Anyone wanting to join the scheme will have their circumstances assessed by social services staff and those seen as needing a short break will be offered the vouchers.
The initiative means that, instead of a care manager or care co-ordinator arranging cover, the carer receives vouchers that will enable them to arrange the service themselves.
The carer can use the vouchers to buy residential or domiciliary care directly from any independent sector provider who has signed up to the scheme.
There are presently nine providers in Darlington - The Gardens, Springfield, Eden Cottage, Moorlands, The Grange, The Lawns, Grosvenor Park, Riverside View Care Homes and Mencap.
For more information on the scheme, contact Lisa Holdsworth, the council's service development officer, on (01325) 346490.
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