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Covid-19: Unpaid carers feel ‘forgotten’ in lockdown By Emily McGarvey Some have called on the government to increase allowances and improve respite services for carers. There are about 220,000 carers in Northern Ireland, with more than a quarter providing more than 50 hours of care per week. Backbone of society Health Minister Robin Swann has announced a £4.4m grant scheme for community and voluntary sector organisations offering support to carers, who he described as the backbone of society . In January, Mr Swann announced a one-off grant payment for carers but said it will be significantly more complex to administer than recent one-off payments made to other groups .

Newry and mourneUnited kingdomNorthern irelandNorth downRobin swannJim mcdonnellEmily mcgarveyAlicia lennonDepartment of healthDepartment for communitiesMinister robin swannMultiple sclerosisMrs lennonSouthern trustShort breaksSouth eastern trust