Government seeks views from carers on its new National Carers Strategy
The Minister for Social Care and Community, Alistair Burt MP, has launched a call for evidence to inform the Government's new National Carers Strategy.
The Government is seeking views from carers and their families on what more the Government can do to provide support. It will also ask for the views of those who work with carers like Carer Support Workers, Social Workers and health professionals. The call for evidence includes questions about identifying carers, providing information and advice, as well as what types of services or formal support would be helpful.
Responding to the launch of the consultation Carers UK's Chief Executive, Helena Herklots, said
"The new Carers' Strategy has come at a crucial time. All of us will be touched by caring in our lifetime, whether we take on a caring role or we need care ourselves. The Carers' Strategy must deliver on strengthening support, value and respect for carers.
"More unpaid care than ever is being provided by family and friends, at the same time that we are having children later in our lives and our working lives are being extended. Our public services need to adapt to this evolving world with a step-change in the support available for families.
"Cuts to social security and local care services mean that carers are finding it increasingly hard to look after themselves and to care well for their loved ones. As a result, carers will be looking for the strategy to deliver greater financial security, including better support in the workplace, as well as quality, reliable health and care services.
"We welcome the development of the Carers' Strategy and its ambition to improve support for carers across all areas of their lives. Carers need a strategy matched by action that delivers concrete improvements to their lives."
How can I give my views?
Carers and professionals will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on the government website until 30 June 2016.
What will Carers UK be doing?
Carers UK will be providing a detailed response to the call for evidence based on the views and experiences of our members and other carers gathered through including State of Caring Survey. Based on your evidence, we'll be making recommendations to improve the recognition of carers and the advice and support available including on income and finances, health and care services and employment and training.
In addition we will also be doing a number of detailed submissions on
- carers' finances
- carers and housing
- support for carers to balance work and care
- how technology can support carers
When will the new Carers Strategy be published?
The Government has said that it expects to publish the strategy at the end of the year.