Scheme giving carers a break is recognised

A SCHEME for Hertfordshire’s carers has been named runner-up in The Guardian Public Service Awards.

The county council’s Breakway for Carers initiative was nominated in the carers, families and communities category for introducing Slivers-of-Time technology, enabling relatives and friends looking after dependent adults to have some respite by arranging for someone else to take over for a few hours in the person’s home.

The web-based booking system enables carers to see who is available to provide cover for them and to make a booking at the click of a mouse. An automatic text message is then sent to the volunteer, who confirms by text.

Cllr Colette Wyatt-Lowe, cabinet member for health and adult care, said: “Although we didn’t scoop the top prize, being named as a runner-up for this prestigious award is a great achievement.

“I’m proud that Hertfordshire’s work is leading the field nationally in this area and hopefully will inspire other organisations to follow us in making it easier for people to volunteer their time to support others.”