What we plan to do.

Needs and services.

Family carers can get assessments of their own needs.

Families will be able to get advice from local services and there will be a single point of contact.

Agencies will be making short-term breaks better.

The health needs of carers should also be looked after.

Working with carers.

All services and agencies should be working together with carers and not seeing them as problems.

Carers will be able to look at how these changes are working.

Older carers.

Lots of family carers are getting older and this causes worry to everyone. Local areas need to find out who the older carers are.

There should be an agreed plan based on a person centred approach for when you want something different or when your carer is unable to continue caring.

Carers from minority ethnic communities.

You told us that not enough has been done about language and culture. Carers from minority ethnic communities must have their needs met.

We expect agencies and services to work well with people from minority ethnic communities, we will make sure we find out more about what you need.

Excluding people from services.

It is wrong to say that some people with learning disabilities cannot use services because you are too difficult or have problems with your behaviour. This is especially true if this means you are then stuck at home without help. Other, more suitable services should be arranged.

Better information.

A new National Learning Disability Information Centre and telephone advice line will be set up. The Centre will provide help to all who need it. It will provide advice on the services and help people with learning disabilities need. It will also put carers in touch with local support groups.

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