Introduction
The Caring Together Warwickshire conference took place in March 2023 with carers and partners to identify the key areas and actions to support carers. A report (PDF, 263 KB) on the key outcomes of the Conference discussions was shared with delegates and partners.
Actions were identified based on the key areas identified as part of the engagement work carried out pre-tender of the All-Age Carers Support service, Caring Together Warwickshire. The themes were as follows:
- Whole system recognition of carers – carers often do not feel seen or heard and remain hidden usually until a crisis arises. Therefore, its essential for health, community and social care partners to work together and be proactive in its recognition of carers even if they do not realise they are entitled to support or see themselves as carers.
- Better Access to information and advice – carers have cited that they do not know about the support that is available to them and their rights to support. If carers are armed with information and can access universal support they can remain resilient in their new or changing caring role and better equipped to manage their caring responsibilities with the right level of support.
- Carer Breaks – ensuring carers have access to breaks from their caring role. Carers felt there were not enough opportunities to do things they enjoy, maintain work, or engage with friends and family. This can often lead to feelings of loneliness and carer breakdown.
The themes were aligned to the outcomes for carers as part of the Caring Together Warwickshire service and 5-year objectives and deliverables for the next 1 to 2 years were identified and will be reviewed and updated annually.