New group aims to give voice to Rotherham’s 50,000 carers

A GROUP which gives a voice to Rotherham’s 50,000 carers has been relaunched.

Members of Rotherham Carer’s Forum said the move aimed to reinforce its existing independent status and enable it to be the strongest possible voice for local carers.

A spokeswoman said: “It is relevant to all informal (unsalaried) carers for children, young people and adults of all ages, including those with long term health related conditions, mental health issues, learning disabilities and any other vulnerabilities requiring support.

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“It is estimated that perhaps as many as 50,000 people are informal carers across the borough.

“Many people do not recognise they fulfil this role and some can easily feel isolated, powerless and voiceless because of their commitments.

“The Forum aims to help draw people together from across the spectrum of care and give them the strong, unified, local voice they deserve.

“The informal carers in our area are VIPs in their own right and they also save the taxpayer untold millions.

“Developing an effective new Carers Forum is vital.”

The Forum was relaunched at the Town Hall, where Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron and The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Maggi Clark, gave speeches.