11th October 2012

• The following is a statement from Sheffield City Council:

  “In recent times funding for advising and supporting parents and carers of children with disabilities in their role as carers sat with the Sheffield Carers Centre. Despite the funding ceasing in March 2012, the Carers Centre continued to provide this valued service up until 30th September 2012.

  Responsibility for the service has now passed into the Local Authority from 1st October 2012, where the intention is to replicate the provision to date as an interim arrangement, at least until March 2013.

  Parents and carers of children with disabilities will not only be able to access personalised information and advice about benefits, health and social care services phoning 0114 261 8765 or emailing parentsascarers@sheffield.gov.uk, they will also have an opportunity to take advantage of a range of support groups and networks across the city.

  In addition, between October 2012 and March 2013, the Authority are committed to seeking the views of parents and carers of children with disabilities about what the gaps are in terms of support for them in their caring role, so that they can be directly involved in shaping future provision.

  Please share this information with other parents and carers of children with disabilities. If as a parent/carer of a disabled child you wish to be a part of the consultation, or you’d like to receive updates on developments that relate to you in your caring role, please register an interest by ringing the new service on 0114 261 8765. Alternatively, get in touch with the Sheffield Parent Carer Forum by sending an email to enquiries@sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk.”