West Berkshire to help fund new support service for carers

ORGANISATIONS in West Berkshire are being invited to bid for a £276,000 per year contract to provide an advice and support service to carers.

West Berkshire, Reading and Wokingham councils are working together with NHS Berkshire to fund the new service and those interested in bidding for the contract are to register their interest with Reading Borough Council by February 20.

West Berkshire Council has said that the aim of the service is to streamline processes and maximise the funding available for direct support to those who provide unpaid care to friends, family and neighbours who need a bit of extra help.

West Berkshire’s executive councillor for adult social care, Joe Mooney (Con, Birch Copse) said the new service would offer a first point of contact for all carers.

“Caring can be very demanding work. This scheme will help to raise awareness of the most important role that carers play and hopefully help to make their task a little easier,” he added.

Full details of this contract opportunity are available on the South East Business Portal at www.businessportal.southeastiep.gov.uk