Support strategy launched for unpaid carers

A new strategy to improve the support available to people who regularly provide unpaid care to a relative, friend or neighbour, has been launched.

Cornwall Council said the strategy was formed after it spoke to carers of all ages and backgrounds to "understand what matters to them".

Part of it includes a new community-based support service that will focus on areas like connecting carers with peer groups and better identifying young people who have caring responsibilities.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for adult social care and health partnerships, Jim McKenna said: "Carers provide essential, often round-the-clock support with little recognition.

"Their contribution is immense, yet many face isolation, financial strain and health challenges.

"This strategy starts to tackle these issues, ensuring carers are identified early, supported consistently and empowered to live well."

The council said some key parts of the new support service include:

• Connecting carers of all ages with a wider range of community-based wellbeing activities, peer networks, and specialist support

• Partnerships with education, children's services, and youth organisations that will ensure young people with caring responsibilities are better identified and supported

• Training and engagement across health, social care, and community partners to ensure carers are recognised as experts by experience

• Access to statutory carers assessments for carers of all ages, and short breaks, to prevent crises

The council's cabinet member for children's, families and schools, Hilary Frank said: "Caring can be rewarding but demanding.

"That's why this strategy focuses on practical support: better access to information, emotional help, financial advice and flexible services in the communities where carers live.

"It also aims to help more people understand carers' needs and make sure services across Cornwall work in ways that support people in caring roles."

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