Agenda item

Paula Furnival explained that the Council wished to confirm its commitment to carers and the All-Age Carers’ Strategy for Worcestershire, which was designed to be in place for the next five years.

It was noted that around three in five people would become a carer at some point in their lives although it was difficult to estimate more exact numbers. COVID 19 had an effect on the numbers of carers and also increased what had been expected of them. Furthermore, social care would be in a difficult position without the contribution of carers. Some organisations had statutory responsibilities towards carers, although some carers were not aware of the support which was available.

Caring responsibilities had an effect on the physical and mental health of individuals, affected people’s confidence, with up to 20% at risk of having to reduce their working hours or leave work completely. Various support systems were in place for carers, and organisations across the county had signed the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Commitment to Carers.

The Commitment to Carers had been developed based on what was important to Carers. Physical and mental support needs should be considered as well as ensuring access to information and the ability to have a life of their own. Organisations needed to actively identify and support carers and co-produce services with them, to ensure their needs were met, as well as involving them in decision making. Overall, a ‘Carer Aware’ culture should be promoted so that carers felt supported and valued, knowing what support was available to them.

The Strategy set out outcomes that carers wanted to achieve and the principles - of co-production, innovation, evidence and best practice informing approach, partnership working and sustainable support. The Carers’ Partnership would help to develop the Carers’ Annual Action Plan.

Carole Cumino pointed out that the Carers’ Strategy was an example of how services could be organised under the Integrated Care System. A system wide commitment to carers, along with a local Carers’ Strategy. Communities and organisations would work together to provide slightly different services in local areas.

The Commitment to Carers had been developed over time, with carers involvement, and would be reviewed frequently. The Worcestershire Executive Committee was asked to oversee the challenge of organisations working together to make a difference for Carers in Worcestershire.

In the ensuing discussion it was noted that:

·       Although it was easy to sign the Commitment to Carers, taking action was harder. It was suggested that the organisations represented on the Health and Wellbeing Board should lead by example and a working group should be set up to assess how the priorities in the strategy were being met. It was agreed the group would then feed back to the Health and Wellbeing Board on what was being achieved;

·       There were often difficulties identifying carers, and when asked how organisations would share that information, the Board was informed that plans would be shared and included in the action plan and tender specification. The Board was assured that, although being able to identify carers was no longer part of the GP contract, it was still important to GPs;

·       The Adult Scrutiny Panel had considered the Strategy with constructive challenge which had been addressed in the present version. Carers had reported that they were pleased to be involved in setting the outcomes but had been less involved in the rest of the Strategy; however, they had accepted that they would be involved in the important stage of action planning;

·       Carers’ play an important role in the community, saving the Council and health services significant sums, whilst putting their personal health and wellbeing at risk. This was considered a group that often experienced inequalities, that every organisation should invest in and support.

The Chair thanked all the unpaid carers whom she considered were heroes in the community.

RESOLVED that the Health and Wellbeing Board:

a)     Approved the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System Commitment to Carers; and

b)    Approved the All-Age Carer’s Strategy for Worcestershire (2021 to 2026).