A new national action plan launched by the government could mark an important step forward for unpaid carers across England, with a greater focus on helping carers be recognised earlier and connected with support sooner.
The new plan, ‘Unpaid carers action plan: recognise, refer, reach’, sets out measures designed to improve how unpaid carers are identified and supported through health services, education, employment and local communities.
Across England, millions of people provide unpaid care for a relative, friend or neighbour because of illness, disability, mental ill health, addiction or older age. Yet many people do not identify themselves as carers and can miss out on support, advice and opportunities that could help them in their caring role.
The action plan is built around three priorities:
Recognise
Helping more carers identify themselves as carers and making sure professionals across health, education and other services recognise caring responsibilities earlier. This includes a particular focus on ensuring young carers are identified and supported.
Refer
Improving links between carers and the support available to them, including financial support, information, health services, employment support and local community organisations.
Reach
Supporting carers to achieve their own aspirations alongside caring, whether that’s staying in work, continuing education, maintaining their health and wellbeing, or taking part in community life.
The plan also outlines steps to improve information sharing across health and care services, helping carers spend less time repeating information about the person they support and making it easier to access appropriate help.
You can read more about the plan here: Unpaid carers action plan: recognise, refer, reach – GOV.UK
What this means for Somerset carers
At Somerset Carers Service, run by Thrive, we welcome any move that helps carers be recognised earlier and connected with support before they reach crisis point.
We know that many carers put their own needs last. Caring can affect physical and mental wellbeing, relationships, finances, employment and education. That’s why early support can make such a difference.
Whether you’re supporting a parent, partner, child, friend or neighbour, help is available. Our team offers information, wellbeing support, carers groups, activities, connections to other organisations that can help, and one-to-one guidance to help unpaid carers find the support you need for your caring role.
To be put in touch with one of our Carers Agents, please click the orange button at the top of this page, or call our advice line 0800 31 68 600.