'I will work to ensure Wrexham’s unpaid carers benefit from the new funding'

MS for Wrexham

Carers’ Week took place last week (7 – 13 June) offering us the chance to pay tribute to unpaid carers across Wrexham and Wales.

It is estimated around 12% of people in Wales have caring responsibilities, with many not receiving any support. They are the unsung heroes who play an integral role in Wales’ health and care system, and their sacrifice and dedication has been particularly important during the Covid pandemic.

Unpaid carers have spoken of difficulties accessing timely and appropriate respite and breaks to help them manage their own health and wellbeing.

To help address these issues, the Welsh Government is providing £3m this financial year to support emergency respite care and the development of a short breaks fund. The fund will be split into two phases – local authorities will be allocated £1.75m in the first phase to meet an anticipated surge in demand for respite services.

In the second phase, £1.25m will fund a new Wales-wide short breaks fund. I will work to ensure Wrexham’s unpaid carers benefit from the new funding. Respite services can be a lifeline and I hope this new flexible scheme will offer our carers the support they deserve.

The Welsh Government is confident all adults in Wales will be offered their first Covid vaccine by the beginning of this week (14 June). It means all those over 18 will be offered the jab six weeks ahead of schedule, with the original target being the end of July.

Wales has one of the best Covid vaccination programmes in the world and everyone involved in the rollout deserves our thanks and praise.

The next target will be to offer everyone a second dose by the end of September. Getting fully vaccinated is vitally important as evidence shows a double dose of either Pfizer or AstraZeneca is highly effective against the Delta variant.

The spread of the new Delta variant in parts of the country reminds us that we must remain vigilant and emphasises how important it is that we all get vaccinated, particularly as restrictions ease.

If you think you may have been missed or are yet to receive your first jab for whatever reason, the Welsh Government is keen to ensure no one is left behind.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) estimates around 87,500 people in North Wales have yet to come forward. It’s now easier than ever for people to book an appointment through the online booking service on the BCUHB website, or by calling the Covid Vaccination Contact Centre on 03000 840004.