Cabinet Office Third Sector

Minister visits Birmingham Carers Centre

19 June 2008
CAB/067/08

Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, this week (17 June) met staff and carers at the Birmingham Carers Centre. The Centre provides vital information, advice and support services for carers. The building is owned by Birmingham City Council and the services provided by the charity Age Concern. The Minister wanted to see how effective partnership between local government and charities can be in doing the best for the people they serve.

Among the people Phil Hope met was Christine Ransome-Wallis, Acting Chair of Birmingham Carers Association and a carer herself. Christine said:

“There are around 100,000 carers in Birmingham, they are often isolated but can get help. I have been caring for my mother for 12 years. It's not something I've ever regretted but for a long time I did feel isolated until I joined the Birmingham Carers Association and realised I could have a life of my own.

“As well as helping carers with information and support we are a campaign group. It needs people like me campaign. We do work closely with the council in Birmingham, it is a partnership because we have the knowledge and experience to help improve the services.

“I'm glad that the minister sees that our involvement in services is not about ticking boxes because what works for one person as a carer won't work for everyone.”

Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, said:

“I really enjoyed meeting the people at the Birmingham Carers Centre. It is good example of a local authority and third sector organisation working in partnership to provide the best possible service. I'm particularly pleased that Birmingham City Council supports an organisation that speaks up for people and campaigns for change.

“The Government has published a Carers Strategy that commits to £255million initial investment in services for carers that are personalised to the needs of an individual. Charities and voluntary groups are often particularly good at adding that personal touch which can really improve services.”

Sue Anderson, Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities and third sector champion, said:

“I am delighted that the government has recognised the tremendous partnership work that has been undertaken since we won the Beacon award last year. This was a great opportunity to show the Minister some of the real work that has taken place, and continues to take place, between the council and the voluntary sector.”

Notes to Editors

1. For more information on the Birmingham Carers Centre see: http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/beaconcouncil [External website].
2. The Minister for the Third Sector works in the Cabinet Office and is responsible for Charities, Social Enterprises, voluntary groups and other third sector organisations. The Office of the Third Sector in the Cabinet Office works to create an environment for thriving sector. For further information see: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector.
3. Birmingham City Council was awarded beacon status (meaning it was picked as an excellent example for other local authorities) in 2007 for its work to develop strong relationships with the third sector. For further information see: Birmingham City Council [External website].

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