New strategy promotes support and wellbeing for carers

The carers' strategy outlines the significant role unpaid carers have in our communities and in the lives of those they care for. They often manage complicated and competing responsibilities, and it is important that they can also take care of their own wellbeing.

The strategy presents a vision for East Ayrshire where carers feel valued, supported, respected and able to have a life outside caring. It recognises that caring can be rewarding, but it can also be hard, so carers need the right support at the right time.

Through a collaborative approach with carers, the strategy has identified five key areas of work to help achieve this:

· promoting health, wellbeing, respite, short breaks and enjoyable activities

· strengthening financial security and employment opportunities

· ensuring voice, recognition and inclusion

· improving support, information and care transitions

· using digital tools and technology

Fiona Robson and Fiona Pirrie, East Ayrshire Carers' Centre’s Co-Chief Executive Officers, said: “We are proud to have contributed to the development of this carers strategy. We see everyday the impact that caring has on unpaid carers who are the backbone of our communities, providing vital care and support that would otherwise fall to already stretched public services.

“This strategy is important because it recognises the invaluable contribution carers make and commits to ensuring they are identified early, listened to, and properly supported to sustain their own health, wellbeing and lives alongside caring.”

Councillor Clare Maitland, East Ayrshire Council’s spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said: “Young and adult carers help to look after friends, family, partners and neighbours who may not otherwise manage by themselves. This could be due to frailty, someone using alcohol or drugs, a disability, or physical or mental ill-health. They make an immense contribution to our communities and the lives of others, and it is important that we listen to what they need.

“This new strategy is our commitment to supporting carers in East Ayrshire. Its collaborative approach means that we are focusing on the things that really matter, and that we can continue to do so as carers’ priorities change.”