A new citywide strategy, setting out a shared vision for improving the lives of unpaid carers, will be considered by City of York Council’s executive later this month (14 April).
The draft strategy has been developed through extensive engagement with local carers, carers’ groups and partner organisations. It focuses on four key areas of work: improving support for carers; improving how we identify and recognise carers; improving the health, wellbeing and quality of life of carers and improving joint working across health, education and social care.
In York, thousands of people provide unpaid care, with many providing over 50 hours of care each week [Census 2021]. However, only around one third of carers are known to services or receiving formal support.
Many carers remain hidden, either because they may not recognise themselves as carers or they may not feel able or ready to seek help. Others do not need or want support or may not know where to find it.
However, local and national evidence shows that caring can have a significant impact on people’s lives and the council has a statutory duty to identify, assess and support carers.
The new draft strategy sets out how the city can recognise carers of all ages and backgrounds and help them live well. It’s hoped that by working together, with carers as equal partners, support in York will be more accessible, more responsive and inclusive.
Cllr Lucy Steels Walshaw, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said: “We recognise that caring can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging, isolating, and financially and emotionally demanding.
“As a council, it is our responsibility to recognise and support carers. And as a city, it’s important that we work together to support the people who provide care, we help make York a place where carers can live well, not just in their caring role, but in their whole lives".