Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) are pleased to be supporting Carers Rights Day today. It is a national event to mark the massive commitment made by thousands of unpaid people across the UK.
For many people, looking after a loved one who is ill, frail or disabled is something they do out of love and because it feels like the right thing to do. The HSCP is keen for people to recognise themselves as a carer and recognise their rights.
The HSCP recognise the outstanding work carried out by local carers centres across Argyll and Bute. The Carers Centres are run by charitable organisations. They can arrange for carers who meet criteria to complete an Adult Carer Support Plan (ACSP) or Young Carer Statement (YCS) to help identify a wide range of information, support and services based on identifying adult and young carers' needs.
Linda Currie, lead for Aliied Health Professionals for Argyll and Bute HSCP said: “An Adult Carer Support Plan helps carers to think about what support they might need to continue in their caring role. The plan helps to identify any needs carers may have and how they could be met.
“Through the amazing services provided by Argyll and Bute Carers Centres, carers can easily access a wide range of support. This can be anything from support to apply for benefits, or to assist carers to get the right services in place, to having some respite or even a short break.”
The HSCP is encouraging carers to come forward and contact Argyll and Bute Carers Centres to find out about available support, and to access available services to make sure they are supported in a manner which ensures they are not worse off due to their caring role.
Carers that meet these criteria can request completing an ACSP or YCS:
- providing care or support for a relative, friend or neighbour
- providing care or support at a future time, to someone who may be leaving hospital, for example
- a young person caring for a relative - for instance, a parent
- the parent or other carer of a child with additional needs
You don't need to be living with the person you care for to have an Adult Carer Support Plan or Young Carer Statement.
Carers should contact their local carers centres, local social work team or speak to their GP who can also signpost them to the support available.
Argyll and Bute Carers Centres contact details are as follows:
- North Argyll Carer Centre - 01631 564422
- North Argyll Crossroads - 01631 562168
- Dochas Carer Centre - 01546 600022
- Helensburgh Carer Centre - 01463 673444 (adults) - 01463 670555 (young carers)
- Crossroads Cowal and Bute - 01369 707700 (adults) - 01369 704492 (young carers)
- Mid Argyll Youth Development Service - 01546 603231