Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has reiterated her call for all respite and day centre provision to reopen, as Carers Week continues.

Provision for people with disabilities and older people was removed due to the pandemic, with many services still to return to pre-Covid levels. Strangford MLA Ms Armstrong previously brought a public petition to the Assembly, calling for the full return of this vital support for exhausted carers.

“Carers Week is an opportunity for us to show our thanks to all those in our society who have caring responsibilities, and who provide physical and emotional support for people with disabilities or older people across our society,” she said.

“But it is extremely disappointing another Carers Week is passing without the appropriate support they need being given to them. Carers across the community are exhausted and were let down far too often during the pandemic.

“I recently wrote to the Health Minister, who confirmed he had received a pathway for the return of services from each Trust, and he expected full respite and day centre provision to be reinstated. As this is not currently the case, he has asked for a review of each pathway, to understand what the delays are.

“It is about time the proper respect and thanks was provided to carers. As we move out of the pandemic, carers now need our help too.”