Day: June 10, 2024

‘No choice but to care’ report launches

CARERS WEEK – PUTTING CARERS ON THE MAP

Millions of unpaid carers across the UK provide support to a family member, friend or neighbour due to a disability, illness or frailty due to old age. Yet a majority of unpaid carers have no choice but to take on a caring role. While providing unpaid care can be rewarding, it also comes with significant negative impacts on carers’ lives.

The No choice but to care report, published on the first day of Carers Week 2024 found that:

  • 62% of those who are currently providing or those who have previously provided unpaid care said that they had no choice in taking on the role because no other care options were available – this is around 10 million people. [1]
  • The impact of caring has been more negative than positive for all areas current and former unpaid carers were asked about, particularly for mental health (63%), physical health (53%), Job and ability to work (48%) and finances and savings (47%).
  • The negative impacts as a result of caring were also felt most strongly by those who had no choice but to take on an unpaid caring role as well as women and those aged 45-54.
  • The research also found that 73% of members of the public surveyed for the research think that unpaid carers should receive more support from the next Government, particularly financial support and investment in social care.

The report recommends the establishment of a National Carers Strategy, review and reform of social security benefits for carers and better workplace protections and workplace support for unpaid carers.

To ensure carers’ health and wellbeing is better supported, the report recommends a new duty on the NHS to have regard to unpaid carers as well as further investment in social care and carers’ breaks.

The report also makes recommendations aimed at employers, public bodies and specific recommendations for the UK nations.

Read the report in full here

carers-week-report-2024-web_finalDownload

Scottish Government representation at Euro 2024

First Minister to attend opening match between Scotland and Germany

First Minister John Swinney will join fans in Germany and at home cheering on the Scotland Men’s National Football Team in their first match of the tournament.

Scottish Ministers will attend Scotland’s three group stage matches of the UEFA European Football Championship.

The First Minister will attend the opening game with hosts Germany in Munich on Friday and attend the official opening ceremony of the UEFA Fan Zone in the Olympic Park stadium in Munich alongside the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Mayor of Munich.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Football has a marvellous way of bringing people together, of all ages, of all nationalities, both women and men and it is a privilege to be heading to Munich to join them in supporting our national team and experiencing the warm hospitality of our German hosts.

“The tournament has an even more profound meaning for Scots this year as not only has our national team made it to the finals, but this year also marks the 70th anniversary of the twinning of the cities of Edinburgh and Munich.

“Celebrating the diversity within our democracies through sport strengthens our societies and improves our resilience as nations.

“I am honoured to be able to attend the opening game between Scotland and Germany and I wish our national team, led by Steve Clarke, the best of luck but most importantly I hope all of our travelling fans have a thoroughly good time.”

Sport Minister Maree Todd and Culture Secretary Angus Robertson will also attend Scotland matches with Switzerland and Hungary respectively.

They will each undertake a series of engagements in Cologne and Stuttgart focussing on culture and sport, sports diplomacy and Scottish-German relations as well as discussing opportunities for Scotland and Germany to collaborate more closely on energy research. 

Scotland Football Team at European Championships | Scottish FA

UEFA EURO 2024 | UEFA.co