Strategy overview
This strategy is for all unpaid carers who live in York (or are caring for someone who lives here) and those whose caring role has recently ended. It is also for the people they care for, their families and friends, and the people and organisations that support them.
While there are various organisations helping carers in York, we know there are gaps. Many carers do not know about or understand their rights or options. They can find it hard to get the help they need, at the right time.
As a partnership, we want to be there for carers whenever they need us. We want to offer flexible and consistent support that helps them cope. Not just at times of crisis, but throughout their caring roles. At the same time, we want carers to feel acknowledged, respected and valued for what they do.
The strategy sets out our shared vision for improving how we recognise carers of all ages and backgrounds and help them live well. It details the focus areas we will work on to achieve the vision and some key measures of success, to know if we are making progress.
We will create an action plan that includes the specific steps we need to take to deliver the strategy. It will evolve in response to any changing needs.
We have developed the strategy in partnership with local carers, former carers and organisations that support carers. It is based on what carers have told us they need locally, and the challenges we know carers are facing nationally. We hope that other organisations, employers, staff and residents will share our vision. Together we can help to create a city that supports, nurtures and celebrates carers.
If right provisions were in place for people they care for without having to go to war to get it life wouldn’t be this living hell it currently is.
We know that for many carers, improved support for those they care for would make the biggest difference. Whilst we hope that our plans will make a positive difference to people being cared for; this strategy is dedicated to the support we provide for carers.
This strategy supports the council and its partners to meet their responsibilities under national legislation. This includes the Care Act 2014, and the Children and Families Act 2014. These laws recognise the important role of unpaid carers and set out duties to identify, assess and support carers so they can maintain their wellbeing and live their lives alongside caring.
The strategy is linked to a wider collaborative approach across all sectors, including voluntary and community organisations, health, education and social care. It also aligns with other council and partnership strategies relating to health and care, children and young people, equality and inclusion, and community wellbeing. It is intended to complement rather than duplicate existing plans.