Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the (a) mental and (b) physical health of unpaid carers.

The Government recognises the vital role unpaid carers play, especially during this difficult period, and acknowledge the issues raised in Carers UK’s report. That is why we continue to work closely with carer organisations to support them.

During the pandemic, we have:

• provided funding to Carers UK to extend their support phoneline;
• provided funding to Carers Trust to make onward grants to provide support to unpaid carers experiencing loneliness during the pandemic;
• produced a leaflet to help carers identify themselves on discharge from hospital;
• published guidance specifically for carers and young carers, which includes further information about sources of support including looking after their own health and wellbeing;
• funded the See, Hear, Respond service, delivered by Barnardo’s to provides rapid support to children, young people and families who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and includes a dedicated young carers hub with helpful resources;
• ensured unpaid carers can continue to claim Carer’s Allowance if they need to self-isolate and recognised time providing emotional support as part of the 35 hours a week Carers Allowance care threshold; and
• worked with the Social Care Institute for Excellence to publish guidance on reopening day services which we know provide important respite to carers and provided funding through the Government’s Infection Control Fund, which can be used to support day services adopt infection control measures.