Great news for carers in Rotherham

The new centre at Drummond Street will be on one level with two private rooms. With a floorspace of nearly 100 square metres, it will be open plan with a desk area, meeting area and relaxation area. Its two large windows will display relevant information for carers from appropriate agencies regarding services and activities.

It will provide advice and support for all carers, of all ages throughout the borough - estimated to be about 30,000 - and represents the commitment that has been made by the Council to supporting carers. 

The new centre, which is due to be fitted out soon, has come about following consultation with carers last year. Carers across Rotherham have always supported the idea of such a centre and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

Located near to facilities such as the the bus station, library, and Council  offices, and with a high number of disabled parking bays available close by, the new centre will have a ramped access and powered doors.

Cllr John Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care said he "could not be more pleased" with the news. He said: "It is impossible to overstate the role that carers play in Rotherham and so this centre will be a flagship for everybody who cares for somebody. It is right in the middle of the town and will offer a superb service to the people of Rotherham.

"This will be far more than just a building containing advice and information. When we asked carers what they wanted from a centre they said that they just wanted to know that they were not alone and that there were other people out there who understood how they felt.

"I am sure that this centre will provide that reassurance while at the same time offering a facility that can grow and adapt to continually meet the needs of its users.

"This is great news for Rotherham, great news for our carers and great news for the people they care for. Congratulations to everybody who has been involved in the hard work that has gone into this exciting project."

Cllr Richard Russell, Rotherham's Carers' Champion, also expressed his delight at the announcement. He said: "It is wonderful to see Carers getting something back. It is vital that somebody never feels that they have to struggle on their own and this centre will be a place for carers to receive the facilities and recognition they need and deserve. I cannot wait until the doors officially open."

Diane Swanson of Carers4Carers, said: "I feel very exited about Rotherham's new Carers Centre. What a difference it will make to the carers of Rotherham. To have ownership, somewhere to go and find out about relevant up to date information, or be signposted to a service that you need, a One Stop Shop, the remit is endless!

"It will act as a springboard for all of Rotherham, raise awareness to hidden carers and link communities across Rotherham. Well done for all of the hard work put into this project from MPs, the Carers' Champion, councillors, commissioners, Council staff and of course the carers who have wanted this service for such a long time."

Rotherham MP Denis MacShane is Patron of the Rotherham Carers' forum and attended the consultation events. He commented: "I was fortunate enough to be able to attend two of the events where carers were asked for their opinions last year and was struck by just how innovative the whole process was.

"Carers have spoken about a centre for many years now and at last this is becoming a reality. I think this will be an important and valuable resource and one that carers will be able to contribute to as well as benefit from. I will follow the progress with great interest."

Local solicitors Howells has already donated £1,000 towards the project. Howells will also be providing services within the centre based around legal advice and advocacy. The range of services that they will offer includes benefits, housing debt, community care, mental health, crime, family, personal injury, employment and immigration.

Mary Rose Macadam, Head of Howells' Rotherham office, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the Rotherham Carers' Centre as we know from our own experience of providing legal advice to carers, how important it is to have someone to talk to who understands the challenges they are facing.

"To have this facility in the heart of Rotherham where people can come together, share problems and experiences, and get advice and information all under one roof will be invaluable."