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Health Minister, Phil Hope, spoke exclusively to Carers Week about the new Carers Direct service.
"Being a carer brings responsibilities - some rewarding, some frustrating. As the Minister responsible for carers,
I know that carers’ lives can be made difficult if they have to
struggle to find the support they need.
"Carers lives could be greatly improved with easier access
to information, such as how to find local support or get
benefits advice.
"That is why the Government launched Carers Direct as a
first-stop shop for carers’ information. Carers Direct includes a web service www.nhs.uk/carersdirect which we have already launched, and a helpline (telephone, textphone, email and post) available from April 1st.
"The website and helpline will provide information to
carers about looking after themselves, benefits, emotional
support, managing work and caring and the many other
issues important to carers. The website includes a directory
of local carers’services.
"I believe Carers Direct is an important step in improving
carers’lives – complementing and supporting the work that
you do. I hope that carers find Carers Direct a useful and
important support tool."
Carers Direct is supporting Carers Week 2009. While aimed at English carers, Carers Direct will also have relevance for many carers elsewhere in the UK. | 
