Seeing the diversity of interested professionals including representatives from Carers UK, the Princess Royal Trust and experienced carers invited to this month's inaugural meeting of the standing commission on caring gives weight to the government's pledge to offer carers a life beyond their caring responsibilities.
It was led by Philippa Russell, formerly of the Disability Rights Commission, disability policy adviser at the National Children's Bureau and herself a family carer. Ivan Lewis, the care service minister, contributed to the discussion and members listened to the results from a series of countrywide meetings with carers to discuss their needs.
The government's New Deal for Carers is based on the premise that people choose to care for their loved ones when, in the real world of conflicting advice and patchy support services, it is more a case of people having little choice but to care for their loved ones. However, the putting in place of a comprehensive information line so that carers can easily find out what help is available and an expert carers' programme to develop the skills needed to take greater control, are well thought out and achievable proposals. Both are hoped to be in place by late summer 2008.
The meeting highlighted how the arena of caring is an emotive one with many people who look after a close relative not recognising themselves as carers and perhaps not wanting to. It was good to hear that the government has recognised that the best people to decide on carers' requirements are carers themselves and to this end, have not only put in place the measures outlined above but are also looking at what can realistically be accomplished over the next 10 years to offer carers consistently good support. Acknowledging that a long-term strategy is required to deal with the demographic changes brought about by an aging population, it hopes that the commission will help achieve a more effective use of resources already in place. The issues discussed were wide-ranging with special concern voiced by members for young carers, some of whom effectively lose their childhood in looking after a sick parent or sibling.
When caring for my daughter, despite the service not always being reliable, I was generally impressed by the quality of support I received from professional care workers. However I was shocked by the poor conditions of employment operated by private care agencies and very much hope this is an issue the commission will find time to explore. Care workers are the very people who can give family carers a real break and until they are treated with the respect they deserve, I don't see how a consistent level of support can realistically be put in place.
Nevertheless, the aims of the government's new deal are ambitious and should be applauded. Mindful of the inevitable financial constraints, it is hoped that next spring, the commission will have come together with a package of advice to put to the appropriate ministers on how to move the initiative forward.
· Judith Cameron is a former SocietyGuardian columnist
