The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 becomes law on 1st April. It gives carers improved rights, as well as ensuring that they are involved in planning care for themselves and the people they care for.
Carer’s Support Plan
Carers are entitled to a new Carer’s Support Plan which looks at five areas:
- health and well-being
- managing your caring role
- how you are valued by services
- planning for the future
- finances and benefits.
The support plan is a gateway to various types of support, including statutory services, advice and emotional support, training, information and access to short breaks and respite, benefits advice, carers support groups and signposting to other services.
The Borders Carers Centre is piloting new support plans for adults and young adult carers along with new local eligibility criteria on behalf of Scottish Borders Council.
The council has a duty to provide statutory support if carers meet these new local eligibility criteria, and is involving carers in developing them through the Carers Advisory Board.
For carers
If you are an unpaid carer, or about to become one, please the Carers Centre for more information on 01896 752431 or admin@borderscarers.co.uk.
For professionals
The Carers Centre has developed an expert carers’ group to deliver training for health and social care professionals. Contact the centre if you want to know more about the Carers (Scotland) Act or its training programme for professionals.
More about the Carers’ Act
Visit the Government’s website to [find out more about the Carers Act (Scotland) 2016 here.
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