Take part: Review of help and support for Falkirk’s carers
People in Falkirk who care for a family member, friend, or neighbour are being asked for their views on the support they receive from health and social care services.
Feedback and ideas will be used to shape Falkirk’s next three-year Carers Strategy, which is due for renewal this year.
The strategy is used to shape services available to local carers such as the support available from the Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre; short breaks from caring; emergency and future planning; and employability advice.
A carer is ‘a person of any age who provides unpaid help and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who cannot manage to live independently without the carer’s help due to frailty, illness, disability or addiction’ – (Scottish Government, 2016).
Launching the strategy review and consultation, Susan Docherty, Carer Engagement Lead at Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre, said: “Carers make a significant contribution to our communities – providing essential care for their loved ones. That is why it is crucial that our services and support options are designed to meet their needs and wants.
“We hope as many carers and young carers respond to this call for views as possible, letting us know what is important to local carers and the ways we can make things better.”
Falkirk Health and Social Care is particularly keen to hear from carers to help update the priorities within the strategy, acknowledging and addressing significant changes which have occurred since the previous 2019 strategy – such as the impact of the pandemic upon daily life and the current cost of living challenges facing local carers.
There are two consultations open until Friday 23 December 2022, one for Young Carer & Young Adult Carers and one for the wider Carers Strategy. Both are available to complete at say.falkirk.gov.uk