Universal Carer's Support Service contract award - Somerset County ...

(Cabinet Member Decision – 10 July 2012)give feedback on the proposed Somerset Offer to Carers based around GPfederation areas (August – December 2011)3.3 A Bidders’ Briefing event was held on 16 March 2012, this enabled bidders toseek clarification relating to the requirements of this tender. Additionally, bidderswere also able to submit written questions until 23 April 2012. Answers werecirculated to all bidders.4. Implications4.1. Access:The new service will be countywide and take into account the geography ofSomerset and the needs of individual clients. The service will have a singlereferral point which will help ensure that individuals are able to access the mostappropriate type of support as quickly as possible.The service will be promoted as widely as possible, and in a variety of formats,to help ensure that there is a high level of awareness of the service, both amongservice users and also the organisations who can offer a signposting role tocarers.4.2. Equality and diversity:Carers are identified as a special group in the Equalities Act 2010.The Carers Support Service will be available for people from all ethnic/culturalbackgrounds, and for all groups with protected characteristics.The impact assessment considers equality and diversity implications in fulldetail.4.3. Human rights:The Human Rights 1998 Act prohibits public authorities from acting in a way,which is incompatible with the Convention on Human Rights.There are no identified Human rights issues within this decision that SomersetCounty Council is not meeting it’s obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998.4.4. Health & well-being:Carers are recognised in the Somerset Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2011as a group for whom there are health inequalities.Supporting Carers in GP Practices (2011) cites research that:• Up to 40% of carers experience psychological distress or depression• Carers have an increased rate of physical health problems• One in five gives up work to care• More than half fall into debt as a result of caringCarers often neglect their own healthcare needs and in many cases it is only amatter of time before they become ill. By working closely with GP carerschampions to identify carers this service will support carers to look after theirown health and ensure that they receive the right support to stay healthy,maintain a life of their own and continue caring.6