Council funding shake-up worries carer charity

• Video report by ITV News Meridian's Sarah Saunders

Unpaid carers in Kent - looking after loved ones at home - could lose out on the lifeline of short breaks, if a Kent County Council funding shake-up goes ahead. That's according to a local charity.

Crossroads, based in Herne Bay, sends people into thousands of homes so exhausted relatives can take a break, get the shopping or visit friends. It says new KCC proposals would introduce red tape and divert essential respite money.

And this is a cause for concern for people like Patricia, who has been caring for her husband Don who has Alzheimer's for 6 years now.

She says things got a lot worse over lockdown and her respite visits from the charity crossroads to their home near West Malling have been invaluable.

• Patricia Lamb, Carer

She says: "Over the Covid period it's become 24/7".

When asked how much time she has to herself, she says: "Very little. But I have the opportunity of my wonderful cross roads visitor and Tony takes him off for a long walk. I can't tell you the difference it has made to me".

At the moment Crossroads provides care to around 3000 unpaid carers. And they are concerned that under new funding proposals some of that money will be diverted into assessing carers or services like yoga or nature walks.

It sounds good but the charity doesn't think that is where the money should be going.

• Irene Jeffrey, Crossroad Care, Kent

Irene Jeffrey, Crossroad Care, Kent, says: "We already know that carers need that break, they know they need the break, professionals know they need that break. So why are we making it more difficult?".

 Kent County Council told ITV News Meridian: "A review of carers Support is underway. We are keen to ensure there is a wide range of respite options available for unpaid carers. There is no intention to remove any funding and Carers will be involved in the review".