A Bath and North East Somerset unpaid carer has helped ensure the experiences of local families are represented in the national debate over the future of social care.
Sophie, a member of The Carers’ Centre advisory group Carers’ Voice, attended an event on Wednesday 29 July where Prime Minister Andy Burnham set out the government’s plans for reform and Baroness Casey launched the Big Conversation on Care.
The national consultation is inviting people to share their experiences and views on the principles, priorities, fairness and funding of a future care system. The responses will help inform the government’s plans for a National Care Service, designed to work more closely with the NHS and support people to live independently for longer.
Sophie has cared for her son, who has multiple disabilities, for many years and is a passionate advocate for the rights and needs of unpaid carers. She met senior politicians including Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper and Angela Rayner, alongside representatives from Carers Trust.
Sophie said, “As someone who is passionate about improving the lives of unpaid carers, and keen to see real, tangible improvements to the system, I was thrilled to hear first-hand the positive changes Andy Burnham and his government are planning to make to social care.
“In looking to deliver a service that will support carers, those they care for and the NHS overall, the government is recognising the need to involve both the public and the other major parties in its development and rollout.
“Collaboration is so important. The delivery of meaningful, adequate support for carers is long overdue.”
Carers Trust welcomed the focus on families and unpaid carers, saying the Big Conversation offered an opportunity to build a stronger and fairer care system that recognises the needs of both people receiving care and the friends and relatives supporting them.
Jacqui Orchard, Chief Executive Officer of The Carers’ Centre, said, “It is so important that unpaid carers are part of this national conversation on social care. Most of us will care for a friend or family member, or be cared for ourselves, at some time in our lives. It can be the most rewarding thing we do, but so many carers experience isolation, stress, ill-health and serious money worries.
“It is time that proper support is given to address an issue that is affecting all of us.”
The Carers’ Centre provides free support for carers of all ages and at every stage of their caring journey. Its services include peer support, wellbeing activities and a Freephone helpline, as well as access to a community of people who understand both the positive experiences and the challenges of looking after a friend or family member.
Bath and North East Somerset residents can find out more about the support available at banescarerscentre.org.uk.
