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This is an example of a three year commissioning strategy for carers from Manchester City Council. It sets out a vision and priorities linked with the Carers Strategy and Putting People First agenda including greater choice and control through personal budgets.

Manchester City Council provides a non means tested carers individual budget of up to £500 to support carers to take a break and to help alleviate some of the stresses that can arise when caring for someone. This document includes the guidance provided to staff and the application form.

Manchester City Council provides carers who have had an Assessment of Need a personal budget to enable them to take a break from their caring role. This document provides:details of the increase in numbers of carers in receipt of a PB by service user group over the last 3 years, how the PBs are awarded, and the examples of the flexible ways in which people use the money for support.

This document shows the detailed results of a survey by Manchester City Council conducted in 2009 to look at whether carers assessments had resulted in positive outcomes, and whether those who had received a carers personal budget had been enabled to take a break from their caring role or not. The results show positive changes in most areas and that the quality of assessment has improved.

Manchester Carers Forum is a local charity founded by carers. This newsletter provides an example of the range of advice, information, support, and activity they are engaged in.