Respite care boost for army of unpaid carers

A key new strategy to identify and support carers of all ages across Scotland has been unveiled by the Scottish Government. It is backed by a promise of £5 million investment over a period of five years for the voluntary sector to provide much needed respite care for carers.

The strategy is unique in that it outlines the way forward for adult and young carers. Plans for adults include creating a Carers Rights Charter, investing in carers training, improving the identification of carers by health and social care services and making carers’ own health and wellbeing a priority.

Unveiling the document, Public Health Minister Shona Robison said the contribution of unpaid workers to health and social  care was worth an estimated £7.68 billion a year. ‘The £5 million respite funding over five years will help the voluntary sector to sustain and support carers, help carers continue the life-sustaining work they do and develop innovative short breaks and respite.

‘We will explore how this money might best be used – for example, short breaks for families with children who have disabilities would be a priority. We hope to see innovative proposals from the voluntary sector that will break new ground.’