Tag: carers

Who Cares?

BBC ALBA EXPLORES CHALLENGES IN SCOTLAND’S CARE SECTOR IN LATEST EÒRPA EPISODE

The care sector in Scotland continues to struggle to find and keep staff. Reporter Màiri Riddoch travels through the Western Isles and the Highlands to meet carers, service users, bosses and politicians to learn about the challenges faced in these areas in the new BBC ALBA documentary, Eòrpa: Who Cares?

After being granted access to a number of care-homes in the public and independent sectors, as well as home-delivered care, Màiri hears how an ageing population and dwindling proportion of young people are putting the care system at risk of failure.

She also meets carers who speak of the immensely rewarding and enjoyable nature of an albeit challenging, and at time heartbreaking, job.

As one resident puts it to her carer: “Where would I be without you?”.

Delayed discharge from hospitals is a problem throughout Scotland, with a daily average of 2,000 patients waiting to get out of hospitals despite being medically fit. A lack of capacity in the care sector is a major contributory factor.

Speaking at the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, NHS Western Isles chief executive Gordon Jamieson explains that a shortage of care staff is causing real difficulties in moving people from hospitals into the community.

Gordon says: “Today for example, there are 16 delayed discharges in this hospital, there are four delayed discharges in the Uist and Barra hospital. It’s over 30% of the beds available in this hospital.

“And the knock-on effect of that is that we may not be able to take in people for elective operations because the beds are unfortunately occupied, despite everybody’s best efforts, by people who can’t get out to the right place in the community.

“I think one of the main issues for us is the steady population decline in the Western Isles. It’s probably one of, if not the, most significant risk that the system fails.”

Across the Minch in Mallaig, Màiri meets Shanna Eddie, deputy manager at the NHS-run Mackintosh Centre care home.

The facility was forced to close in summer 2023 due to a lack of staff. It re-opened in November last year, something that was welcomed greatly by the community, residents and staff alike.

Recalling the closure in 2023, Shanna comments: “It was like everything had been ripped out from underneath you. We had six permanent residents at the time, and it was worrying about where they were going to go, how the families were going to cope, how their daily lives were going to be affected.

“We had some residents whose family didn’t drive. And for them to then be relocated 40 miles up the road to Fort William cut down greatly on their daily visits that they used to get from various family members over the course of a week.”

Many of Scotland’s residential care homes are run by independent providers, often charities or private companies.

Fairburn House in Muir of Ord, around 20 miles northwest of Inverness, has been in Susan Davison’s family for over 40 years: “We are quite rural, so that causes its own difficulties.

“We’re not on a bus route, so that again causes difficulty. And over the last while, it’s been much more difficult because there’s just not people coming for interviews or anything like that.”

Reporter Màiri Riddoch reflects on her report: “It was a privilege to have the opportunity to film inside care homes and in people’s own homes, speak to staff and to those receiving care. I wanted to shine a light on the sector and help highlight what an important and rewarding job it can be, one which I feel is often undervalued.

“Our ageing population combined with a declining working age population, particularly in the Islands and rural Highlands, brings the problem of recruitment into even sharper focus. This is something our elected representatives will need to grapple with for years to come.”

Eòrpa is BBC ALBA’s flagship current affairs programme, covering a variety of domestic and European stories.

Eòrpa: Who Cares? will premiere on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer at 9pm on Wednesday 12 March (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006mvwb/eorpa

Tomorrow: Local Care Home opens it’s doors to community

Strachan House care home in Blackhall have invited members of the local community to their monthly dementia friendly Community café.

Taking place every last Friday of the month at 2pm, guests will have a chance to meet carers supporting others living with dementia.

Free to all, the community café at the home provides a welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy engaging topics. Visitors to the café have the opportunity to meet adorable animals, enjoy live music and activities as well as receiving support with questions, queries and guidance around dementia diagnosis and next steps.

During the session, guests will also have a chance to meet the team at the home, to discuss any questions they might have about care.

As per any event at Strachan House visitors will be able to eat drink and be merry!

General Manager Frances Fisher said: “We’re really looking forward to making more friends in our local community. The more support we can provide to each other, the better.

“Our team here at Strachan House are wonderful and are always looking forward to welcoming others into the home. If anyone is unable to make it on the day but would like to pop in for a tour and a cup of tea, our doors are always open.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. 

Strachan House provides residential care, nursing and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Football fundraiser set to score big for disability charity

Legends of the game unite to raise £20k for inclusive play and social spaces

A HIGHLY anticipated charity football match is set to bring together property professionals and football legends in a bid to raise £20,000 for an inclusive outdoor space.

The Big Match will take place on March 7th at Spartans Football Club in Edinburgh, with two rival teams – Residential United and Commercial City – going head-to-head to support Capability Scotland’s YouthZone project.

The event, organised by Steve Currie of estate agents Murray & Currie, will see former football stars Gordon Smith and Billy Davies manage the teams, with big-name player Darren Dods and former Hearts striker Gary Wales also taking part.

Funds raised from the match will go towards creating an outdoor play area for YouthZone, a lifeline service for disabled children and young people in Riccarton, Edinburgh. The group offers a safe space for socialisation, skills development, and play at weekends.

Steve Currie, Director at Murray & Currie, said: “The Big Match is all about bringing people together for a fantastic cause. The property sector is a competitive industry, so putting that energy into a friendly football rivalry makes for a great event.

“Knowing that every goal and every donation made helps build a safer, more inclusive space for children and young people at YouthZone is a huge motivator. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone supporting this initiative.”

The £20,000 target has the potential to benefit 65 children and 30 adults, helping them feel more included in their community while providing a safe and enjoyable space to gather.

Costs for the project have doubled due to unexpected issues, and so this funding will allow YouthZone to build a safer and more accessible outdoor space, complete with accessible play equipment and protective fencing.

Ailsa Wallace, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Capability Scotland, said: “This event will make an incredible difference to the lives of disabled children and young people.

“YouthZone is a place where they can relax, socialise, and have fun in a supportive environment, and the funds raised from The Big Match will help us enhance and protect this vital space.

“We’re hugely grateful to The Big Match for choosing us as their charity partner and to all the sponsors, players, and supporters making this event possible.”

Now in its third year, the match is backed by headline sponsors Shepherds and Graham & Sibbald, with Hummel donating kits and The Spartans Community Foundation providing the stadium, changing rooms, and referee, thanks to the generosity of Chris Kirby at Hummel and Dan Gerrard at Spartans.

Edinburgh’s property industry has rallied behind the event, with teams made up of players from Murray & Currie Property, Simpson Marwick, Ralph Sayer, Murray Developments, S1 Developments, VALTTI Paints, Hampden Bank, Handelsbanken, Thistle Property, AH&Co Accountants, Redpath Bruce, Square & Crescent, Melville Independent, Turcan Connell, Square Foot Media, and AMA Developments.

With excitement building, the event is expected to draw a strong crowd of supporters keen to cheer on their teams while making a meaningful difference.

Capability Scotland is a leading charity providing care, support and education to children and young people living with physical and intellectual disabilities, while supporting parents and caregivers through respite.

The charity has multiple outreaches all over Scotland to ensure young disabled people get the opportunities to grow and thrive.

To support The Big Match, and for more details, visit: 

https://www.justgiving.com/page/steven-currie-2?newPage=true

For more information on Capability Scotland, visit: https://www.capability.scot/

Thousands of Scotland’s unpaid carers set to be paid energy bill support

Millions of people who provide care for loved ones or relatives could get payments to help with their energy bills when icy blasts hit parts of the country this week.

The UK’s largest online community of unpaid carers is advising those living in relevant postcodes to check they receive any Cold Weather Payments which are triggered when temperatures plunge.

What are Cold Weather Payments?

Cold Weather Payments are made for every seven-day period of weather which is either forecast to be or recorded as zero degrees Celsius or below, and come in at £25 each time. These payments are made automatically by the DWP.

With the support lasting until 31st March, and another cold snap predicted to take place towards the end of this week, the experts at Mobilise (a community of 90,000 unpaid carers) are warning unpaid carers to check whether they could be eligible for the payments. 

Who is eligible?

Payments are made to eligible Brits living in areas affected by very cold weather. Postcodes beginning with CA have already triggered the highest number of payments this winter, totalling up to £75 so far, and are amongst those set to be affected again. 

According to the latest forecast, by Friday, the following areas are set to see temperatures plummet to the zero (or sub-zero) temperatures required to trigger Cold Weather Payments:

  • Scotland 
  • Wales
  • The south west of England
  • Cumbria

As well as living in an affected area, individuals must be entitled to certain financial support to qualify for Cold Weather Payments. Many unpaid carers have to reduce paid work in order to look after their loved ones, and are already eligible for the qualifying support as a result. You could get Cold Weather Payments if you are entitled to any of the following benefits:

  • Pension Credit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • Support for Mortgage Interest

Full eligibility criteria can be found on the Government’s website.

What additional energy bill support is available?

Following recent changes, Winter Fuel Payments are also now limited to those who are eligible for certain means-tested benefits, and the December deadline to apply has now passed. However, carers who are not able to claim Cold Weather Payments or Winter Fuel Payments may still be entitled to other forms of support to help with their energy bills.

Additional cold weather support on offer includes: 

  • Warm Home Discount Scheme – This one-off payment of £150 is automatically paid directly to participating energy suppliers, to help with the costs of eligible Brits’ bills. To be eligible, you must either get the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit, or have high energy costs and receive a different qualifying benefit – see the Government’s website for full details. Payments are available until March. But eligible carers who have not yet received a payment or letter should contact the Scheme’s helpline on 0800 731 0214 by the beginning of February. In Scotland, the criteria is different and requires carers to apply through their energy supplier (see here for more information).
  • The Household Support Fund – This funding is aimed at anyone who is vulnerable or struggling to afford essentials in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, and can help with grants or vouchers towards energy bills. You can find out if you’re eligible and how to apply (if you need to) through your local council’s website.
  • The Scottish Welfare Fund – This is the Scottish equivalent of the Household Support Fund. Crisis Grants are offered as one-off payments as part of this funding to people in “emergency” situations, and can help if you are living in Scotland and struggling with energy bills. To be eligible for a grant you must receive a qualifying benefit, and apply through your local council. See the Scottish Government’s website for more details. 
  • Grants to help with energy bill debts – Some providers offer grants and advice to help customers pay off energy bill debts. You can find a list of energy suppliers who offer these grants via Citizens Advice. For carers living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, see more details here. For carers living in Scotland, more details can be found here. 
  • Gas checks – If the person you care for is disabled, vulnerable or elderly, they may also be entitled to a free annual gas safety check. Providers such as British Gas offer this if you sign up to their Priority Service Register.
  • Disability energy support – Scope offers free advice and support for anyone caring for someone who is disabled, to help with things like energy bill debts, accessing benefits and grants, and signing up for the Priority Services Register. Visit the charity’s website for more information.

For more advice and guidance on the energy bill support available to unpaid carers, you can find detailed information or speak to a carer support expert via the Mobilise website.

December Carer’s Allowance Supplement paid today

Eligible carers will receive a payment of £288.60 today (Friday 6 December).

Carer’s Allowance Supplement is unique to Scotland and recognises the important contribution of unpaid carers in Scotland.

The next payment of £288.60 will be made on Friday 6 December to eligible carers who were getting Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland or Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 7 October 2024.

Latest official statistics show that 88,615 carers received Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June 2024.

One mum, and carer, who received the payment, said: “As a carer to two disabled kids it comes in handy, even just to treat myself to some new clothes. Thank you for thinking of the hard-working carers who do a tremendous amount for whomever they care for.”

Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid into the same bank account as the recipient’s Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance. If someone thinks they are eligible, but does not receive the payment by Monday 16 December, they should get in touch by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.

To get Carer’s Allowance Supplement, you must live in Scotland or have a genuine and sufficient link to Scotland. For more information on our benefits for carers, visit Carers – mygov.scot

Information on other support for carers is available at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot

Carers Rights Day: Carers urged to check for financial help

Thousands of unpaid carers could be missing out

This Carers Rights Day (Thursday 21 November 2024), unpaid carers across the country are being encouraged to check their eligibility for financial support from Social Security Scotland.

It is estimated that there are around 800,000 unpaid carers, including 30,000 under the age of 18, providing care for a family member, friend or neighbour in Scotland.

Research also suggests that many do not see themselves as a carer, meaning they do not take up support they are entitled to.

There are three payments delivered by Social Security Scotland dedicated to supporting unpaid carers.

Carer Support Payment is replacing Carer’s Allowance in Scotland and is now available for new applications Scotland-wide.

Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement are only available in Scotland. There has been a 26% increase in Young Carer Grant applications from those aged 16-18 in the 12 months to September 2024 compared to the same period the previous year.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government has supported around 164,000 unpaid carers through social security payments since 2018. We understand their important role and that many may be juggling caring with work, study or family commitments.

“That is why we’ve been working closely with carers and organisations that represent them, to develop a better social security system in Scotland. This includes improving the application process and providing two payments that are only available for carers here in Scotland.

“This Carers Rights Day, I urge everyone who carries out a caring role to find out more about the financial help available. And if you know an unpaid carer, whether a student, work colleague, friend or even someone caring for you, let them know support is available.”

As part of Carers Rights Day, Social Security Scotland has organised a pop-up event at South Lanarkshire College to help raise awareness amongst students about the financial support available and to support them with applying.

Head of Student Services, Rose Harkness, said: “South Lanarkshire College proudly support carers of all ages who provide unpaid assistance to loved ones facing illness, disability, mental health challenges, or addiction.

“Our inclusive environment enables carers to achieve qualifications without barriers through tailored guidance, course and funding advice, and support with completing applications.

“Working in partnership with Social Security Scotland has encouraged more of our carers to check eligibility and apply for funding to help in their caring role.  We are committed to empowering carers for both academic success and personal growth.”

To find out more about the financial support available for unpaid carers visit:  mygov.scot/browse/benefits/carers

Background

  • Carer Support Payment is available to people providing care for 35 hours or more a week, earning a maximum weekly income of £151 after tax, National Insurance and expenses, to someone who receives disability benefits. It replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland and is a payment of £81.90 per week. Carer Support Payment is also available to some carers in education. This includes full-time students aged 20 or over and students under 20 in advanced or higher education. Students aged 16-19 in non-advanced education e.g. studying for National Certificates, Highers and Advanced Highers, may also be eligible. Carers in Scotland who are already receiving Carer’s Allowance don’t need to apply for Carer Support Payment. Their benefits will be automatically transferred. This process is due to complete in spring 2025.
  • Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £383.75 and is available for carers age 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving certain benefits. The money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.  
  • Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an automatic payment made twice a year to unpaid carers receiving Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland or Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The next payment of £288.60 will be paid on Friday 6 December for those who were paid Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on 7 October 2024.  The Scottish Government has committed to replace six monthly lump sum Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments with more regular payments alongside Carer Support Payment once case transfer is complete.
  • Information on other support for carers is available at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot 

Carer Support Payment is now Scotland-wide

Tens of thousands of carers can now apply for support as benefit roll-out complete 

Tens of thousands more unpaid carers in Scotland can apply for a new benefit from today (4 November). 

Carer Support Payment, which is a payment of £81.90 per week paid by Social Security Scotland, has been introduced in phases since November 2023. 

It has been extended to people living in 19 more local authority areas including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Orkney and the Scottish Borders. 

It is now available in every local authority in the country, marking the completion of the roll-out of Scotland’s 14th benefit. 

It is for unpaid carers who provide 35 or more hours of care a week to someone who gets disability benefits.  Carer Support Payment, is the replacement in Scotland for Carer’s Allowance which is delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

Unlike Carer’s Allowance, Carer Support Payment is available to some carers in education. This includes full-time students aged 20 or over and students under 20 who are in advanced or higher education. 

In June, eligibility was extended to carers aged 16-19 in non-advanced education. This includes those studying for National Certificates, Highers and Advanced Highers, who meet certain criteria, for example, not having any parental support. 
 
As part of the roll out, new backdating rules were introduced meaning that some carers – mostly full-time students – living in the new areas can apply to have their payments backdated to when Carer Support Payment was introduced. 

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The importance of the role of unpaid carers should not be underestimated. Their work is vital to the people they look after and to society as a whole.  

“I am delighted that Carer Support Payment is now available in every local authority in Scotland. Many students will now be able to get this financial support for the first time, thanks to changes made by the Scottish Government. 

“I urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to find out more.” 

According to Carers Trust Scotland, it is estimated that there are around 35,000 unpaid carers attending college or university in Scotland. Paul Traynor,

Head of External Affairs at Carers Trust Scotland, welcomes the national roll out. He said:  “The immense contribution of unpaid carers to society cannot be understated, providing vital caring roles to their family and friends, and helping to hold society together.    

“Over 100,000 unpaid carers in Scotland are living in poverty and we hear all too often of the financial pressures of juggling studying and caring, where supplementing their income through employment is extremely challenging or not possible. Research highlights that student carers can be up to four times more likely to drop out of college or university and financial struggles are often one of the key reasons for this.    

“The national roll out of Carer Support Payment will help make a significant difference to many carers’ lives and support more student carers to remain and succeed in education.” 

Carer Support Payment opened for new applications in further areas on 4 November.

Unpaid carers in Argyll & Bute, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Orkney Islands, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Shetland Islands, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian can now apply.

Carers can find out more, and apply at https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment 

Leading Scottish artist to head up Edinburgh & Lothian art initiative for unpaid carers

Scottish charity Art in Healthcare has appointed renowned artist Juliana Capes to run its Caring Spaces project, an innovative initiative which supports unpaid carers.

Juliana, a multi-disciplinary visual artist and filmmaker, has recently shown her work at the Edinburgh Art Festival, Alchemy Film Festival and CCA, Glasgow.

In this new role, she will lead the latest series of monthly online sessions which provide participants with some respite from their day-to-day caring responsibilities by offering them a safe and relaxed space to learn about and develop their passion for art while building peer support. 

Along with her strong artistic pedigree, Juliana brings direct experience to the role as a parent carer of two children with intellectual disabilities.

Caring Space is an innovative project which AiH has developed over several years with VOCAL (Voice of Carers across Lothian). This existing programme, delivered in Musselburgh, Dalkeith, Leith and online, brings carers together through monthly online art sessions and in-person visits to galleries.

Commenting on the new position, Juliana said: “It’s great to be appointed as the Caring Spaces artist for this latest project where I am connecting with other carers and support organisations.

“I’m delighted to bring my own experiences, both as an artist and as a parent carer of two children with additional support needs, to help the participants maximise the wonderful experience this programme has to offer.”

Jeanne Marie Lee, Carer Training Officer, VOCAL Edinburgh said: “Caring Spaces is one of our most popular courses.

“Our carers love the opportunity to get creative with new materials and techniques. With that in mind, it is incredibly exciting to have Juliana joining us in this programme to inspire and delight the group with her ideas.”

Iona McCann, Associate Director (Communities), Art in Healthcare said: “We are really excited to work with Juliana and see what she brings to the Caring Spaces programme.

“Working with someone with lived experience of caring was incredibly important to us as she has a deep understanding of the challenges unpaid carers face. As an organisation, we also want to learn on how we can best support unpaid carers within our team.”