One of the Coalition Government campaigns promise was to improve the UK's care services. In order to do so, the minister of care services Paul Burstow announced a £4 million funding to offer support to projects like health care training schemes and specific training for social care workers.

The funding made available following cancellation of the contract for Caring with Confidence, provided training to carers as the programme did not deliver the benefits expected for the funding committed.

Together with the funding, the minister of Care Services Paul Burstow announced a myriad of measures to support carers. Between these new measures highlights a scheme that will fund voluntary organisations to reach out to carers. It will particularly focus on early contact with those who are taking on a caring role for the first time through a variety of settings such as hospitals, places of work and supermarkets.

"Identifying and supporting carers at an early stage is critical. The financial outlook is extremely challenging so we must make sure the money we have is working harder for us." - said Paul Burstow, minister of Care Services.

The news was welcomed by the UK's largest carer’s organisation, Carers UK. Chief Executive of Carers UK Imelda Redmond CBE said:

"We welcome this measure launched today. It is critical that the Coalition Government understands the vital contribution that carers make in looking after older, sick and disabled people. In times of tight public expenditure there will be increased expectations that families will take on greater caring responsibilities which in turn can have a severe impact on their health and finances.

"Our work with thousands of carers throughout the UK shows that things are made worse if carers are not identified early and do not have support quickly enough. Time and time again, good information and advice comes up as a key issue that they need to keep them healthy, in work and help prevent poverty."

This new scheme is without a doubt a reiteration of the coalition government's care commitments and is of great interest to carers who are looking to develop their people skills.