Family carers across Suffolk are to be offered new help as part of a �1million scheme being introduced in the county.

SUFFOLK: Family carers across Suffolk are to be offered new help as part of a �1million scheme being introduced in the county.

The county council is one of 12 areas across the country to take part in a “short break demonstrator” pilot project.

Family carers in Ipswich, Brandon, and Peasenhall/Sibton will be invited to apply for special help to ease their work. Finance is being provided by the council and the Department of Health.

The project is called “Time For You,” and is enabling family carers to create short break opportunities which can have a huge impact on their emotional wellbeing and quality of life.

It is looking for different ways of helping carers rather than traditional schemes such as places in day centres or “care sitting” schemes.

A spokeswoman for the county council said it could involve giving grants to allow a carer to buy a mobile phone or to have driving lessons to enable them to get out more.

A total of 550 family carers who do not currently use available short break services will be taking part from January 2010 until March 2011.

The aim is to identify family carers who may, for a variety of reasons, not be using the services that are currently available.

The county council has commissioned Ipswich Borough Council, social care specialists Turning Point and Suffolk Acre to carry out research and identify and support family carers within their local communities.

The Bangladeshi Support Centre will be working in partnership with the borough in the Ipswich area.