What do I do if there are insufficient resources to meet my needs?

It may be that your needs have been identified, but the care plan states that there are insufficient resources to meet them. Carers services, in particular, are not widespread.

Make a complaint

You could consider making a complaint about your particular case. The Rethink National Advice Service can advise you about how to make a complaint and other remedies which might be available. Contact the advice service by ‘phoning 020 8974 6814 (open Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm), writing to Rethink Advice, 28 Castle Street, Kingston upon Thames, SURREY KT1 1SS or emailing advice@rethink.org. 

Remind the Trust about the need for carers services

Alternatively, you could consider reminding the Trust more generally about the need for carers services. The Government has set targets nationally for carers services, but in some areas it seems these are not seen as a priority. It can be useful to remind local authorities of these targets. Download a draft letter which should help you do this (21 kb) [doc]

If this letter does not produce the result you want, you may need to think more long- term about trying to get services provided in your area, possibly through a local campaign. However, do remember that even if statutory services are not providing exactly what you want, there may be other ways to get support, see Other sources of help