Tag: Carers Week

Scotland’s unpaid carers over £4,400 better off

Carers urged to check for financial support during Carers Week

This Carers Week (9 – 15 June), unpaid carers across Scotland are being encouraged to find out if they are eligible for social security support – through Carer Support Payment, Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant  

Carer’s Allowance Supplement – a payment only available north of the border – was the first benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland in 2018 to provide extra financial support for carers, recognising their important contribution.   

Since the payment’s introduction, unpaid carers in Scotland will be up to £4,475 better off by the end of 2025. 

On a visit to Midlothian Carers Centre to meet with parent carers of adults with additional support needs, Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, said: “Social security in Scotland isn’t about renaming benefits previously delivered by the UK Government.

“We are about delivering social security with dignity, fairness and respect, continually listening to what carers and support organisations have to say to help shape the changes we’re making.  
  
“We introduced Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant, which are only available in Scotland, and widened eligibility for Carer Support Payment to enable more carers in education to access it.

“We’re also committed to introducing new extra support for carers who care for more than one person. Changes to help improve the lives of carers in Scotland. 

“Social security is something anyone may need at any point in their life. It’s a public service and I encourage all unpaid carers to find out if they are entitled to financial support and apply.”  

Carla Bennett, Carer Services Manager at VOCAL Midlothian added: “Unpaid carers often face financial hardship, with many forced to give up paid work or reduce their hours to support those they care for.

“Caring for someone comes with additional costs too, such as transport, heating, equipment and food. These expenses, combined with reduced income, mean carers are more likely to experience poverty.  

“Demand for VOCAL’s income maximisation service has doubled in the past year, showing that carers are feeling the strain. Accessing financial and social security support can ease this burden and make a significant difference to the lives of carers and those they care for.

“We would encourage carers to find out what they might be eligible for.” 

Carers Week: Playlist For Life

Caring for someone living with dementia can be hard

Personal playlists however can give dementia carers, who are often relatives or friends respite, by helping to reduce symptoms including distress, anxiety, loss of communication and low mood.

Want to know how to make a playlist? Join our free webinar for family and friends this Thursday to learn how:

https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/…/how-to-make-a…/…

“We’re Going to the Zoo!” 

Young Carers To Enjoy a Break This Carers Week

Young carers from across Scotland will enjoy a well-deserved day out at  Edinburgh Zoo tomorrow (Wednesday 12 June), thanks to a partnership between Carers Trust Scotland and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. 

The event is part of Carers Week 2025 and is a chance to recognise the important  role young carers play in their families and communities. It offers a space for  young carers to take a break, connect with others in similar situations and simply  enjoy being young. 

This free trip provides a rare break for many of the young carers attending, some  as young as five years old who often juggle school, caring responsibilities and  everyday life, frequently without recognition or support. 

More than one in five (22%) young carers in Scotland say they are unable to  take a break from caring, and over half (54%) say having a break would help  them manage their role better.

Young carers in Scotland often face greater  challenges than their peers – according to the latest survey data, 52% of young  carers say they ‘always’ or ‘usually’ feel stressed because of their caring  role, and 43% report that caring limits how much time they can spend with  friends. 

Young carers are children and young people who help care for a family member  with a disability, illness, mental health condition or drug or alcohol dependency. 

This year’s Carers Week theme, “Caring About Equality”, highlights the need for  better understanding of the challenges carers face and for greater inclusion in all  areas of life. 

A young carer from Glasgow South Carers Centre said: “On 12 June I am attending a young carers event at Edinburgh zoo.

“I am looking  forward to meeting up with friends I’ve made at through the YC Connect – South  Glasgow Young Carers Group and others that will become friends.“

Becky Duff, Director at Carers Trust Scotland, said: “There are an estimated 30,000 young people providing unpaid care in Scotland,  and this number is only set to grow.

“Being a young carer can have a big impact  on your education, relationships and identity. Young carers can often feel  unseen and unsupported, and at Carers Trust we are determined to change this. 

“All unpaid carers have a right to live fulfilling lives alongside their caring roles  and to have a break from caring. We are delighted to be partnering with RZSS this Carers Week, to celebrate young carers and give them a chance to connect  with peers, take a break from their caring role and have lots of fun.” 

David Field, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), added: “It’s a real pleasure to be hosting young carers from across Scotland.

“These  remarkable young people take on immense responsibilities and often put the  needs of others before their own. A visit to Edinburgh Zoo offers them a valuable  opportunity to play, explore and bond with the natural world. 

“We  know that these moments of joy and discovery spark a lifelong love of animals  and nature, which can have a lasting, positive impact on mental health and  wellbeing.”

As part of the day, young carers will also be invited to share what caring means  to them. Their voices and experiences will help raise awareness about what it’s  like to be a young carer in Scotland today.

COSLA: Carers Week

Carers Week takes place this week, 10th – 16th June. The theme this year is ‘Putting Carers on the Map.’

This theme reflects the importance of ensuring carers’ voices are heard. Carers Week is also an opportunity to recognise carers’ invaluable contributions while acknowledging the challenges carers face.

This year’s campaign invites us as individuals or organisations to add your name to put carers on the map and share your caring story, how you support carers, or discuss how you think support for carers needs to change.

All the resources for Carers Week can be found on the Carers Week website.

A COSLA Spokesperson commented: “Three in five of us will take on a caring responsibility in our lifetime. Every single day, carers enable people they care for to get the most out of life, and I would like to thank each carer for their vital contribution to the health and social care system.

“I encourage us all to take the time this Carers Week to consider what more we can do to support carers in our communities and ensure their voices are heard. I also encourage carers to explore the range of Carers Week activities in their local area, to meet fellow carers and find advice and support.”

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LifeCare offers free relaxing activities for local unpaid carers

This Carers Week (10th – 14th June) local charity LifeCare Edinburgh is highlighting the support offered to unpaid carers every week of the year

 Are you an unpaid carer? Do you support another adult – friend or relative – due to their age, illness or disability?  Then this could be for you!

LifeCare Edinburgh understands how important it is for unpaid carers to get a well-deserved break.  The charity offers a range of respite services such as their registered day clubs, outreach care, help at home and meals on wheels services. The charity also offers a fantastic range of free drop-in activities designed for unpaid carers to relax, do something for them and meet others in a similar position. 

Join LifeCare to try a new activity or get back to something you love. All unpaid carer activity sessions take place in the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street and run through the week at different days and times.  

Why not pop along to Zumba on a Monday 6pm, Watercolours on a Tuesday at 11am, Painting and Sculpture for Beginners on a Thursday at 11am or Yoga on Sunday at 5pm?  Everyone that joins a class receives a voucher for a free tea or coffee in the charity’s community café CafeLife based within the hub.

Thanks to these activities, carers report feeling supported, connected, valued, refreshed and overall they feel better equipped to continue in their caring role.  One carer recently told us “I feel like myself again”

All activities are drop-in, no need to book, and are completely free thanks to funding from The Short Break Fund and LNER Community Fund.  You’re welcome to bring along the person you care for.  

To find out more drop in to the hub on Cheyne Street, call 0131 343 0940, email enquiries@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk or visit www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Highest ever number of grants paid to young carers

Eligible teens who haven’t applied urged not to miss out

The number of young carers getting a grant only available in Scotland has rocketed, figures released ahead of Carers Week show. 

Over 3,700 teens have received Young Carer Grant payments worth £1.4m in the last financial year, almost 60% more than the year before. 

The Scottish Government is urging even more young carers to apply and is asking family and friends to encourage them to check if they’re eligible. 

Young Carer Grant is available to anyone aged 16 – 18 who spends at least 16 hours a week on average caring for someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit. 

Young carers can offer vital support to family members, friends or relatives who have disabilities or long-term health conditions. This could include making meals, helping with housework, reminding them to take medication or providing emotional support.   

The £380 payment can be applied for once a year and spent on whatever the young person wants.   

Young Carer Grant was introduced by the Scottish Government in October 2019 to recognise the vital role unpaid young carers play and to help them access opportunities that are the norm for many other young people.  

Since then over 12,000 payments totalling £4 million have been made.  

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said:  “At the start of Carers Week, it’s heartening to see that more young carers than ever before are getting Young Carer Grant. 

“We introduced the payment in recognition of the vital role young carers play, and to provide money they can use to take part in activities enjoyed by others their age that they might miss out on otherwise.  

“I urge any young carer who is eligible for the grant but hasn’t applied in the past year to do so as soon as possible. 

“I would also ask the family members and friends of teenagers eligible to encourage them to apply as they may not be aware of the grant or even consider themselves to be a carer.” 

Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £383.75 for young carers in Scotland.  People can apply for Young Carer Grant online, via a paper application form or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.  

The latest Young Carer Grant statistics were published on 4 June. 

Local care home celebrates Carers Week with holistic therapy and breakfast treats

 Strachan House care home, in Blackhall, has celebrated the launch of Carers Week in style. Carers week celebrates carers both paid and unpaid for the amazing work that they do and raises awareness of the benefits and challenges of carers nationally.  

Staff began their week with a celebratory breakfast provided to all carers with something delicious to start the day. Day shift and night shift came together to celebrate each other.

Staff were then treated to a range of Holistic therapies provided by the wonderful Lisa from Positive flow therapies. Staff and residents alike were given head massages, hand massages and reflexology where they felt this would be beneficial. 

Strachan House has built up a great relationship with Lisa following her support assisting the loved ones of residents during difficult times and can’t wait to utilise her services throughout the home. 

General Manager, Fran Fisher said: “It is important to recognise the hard work of our staff here at Strachan House.

“The staff here work tirelessly to ensure all the residents are cared for to the highest possible standard, they take everything in their stride and deserve the very best rewards from us”.

Lisa from Positive Flow therapies provides a range of holistic therapy and believes that massage is not a luxury but Self-care. 

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

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

‘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

£250,000 recovery fund for Capital’s carers

The City of Edinburgh Council and VOCAL, Voice of Carers Across Lothian, have announced a new Carers Recovery Fund.

Recognising the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on unpaid carers, the City of Edinburgh Council has committed to an investment of £250,000 to support unpaid carers. VOCAL will serve as the lead partner, managing the delivery of the fund.

Prior to the pandemic, 65,084 people in Edinburgh had caring responsibilities, 13.7% of the population. For many their caring role increased massively and it is estimated that across Scotland nearly 400,000 additional citizens took on caring responsibilities.

Research released for Carers Week by the Carers Week charities found that 71% of unpaid carers in Scotland have not had any breaks from their caring role during the pandemic.

Of those who got a break, over a third (36%) used the time to complete practical tasks or housework, and almost a quarter (24%) to attend their own medical appointments.

Three quarters (77%) reported being exhausted as a result of caring during the pandemic.

More than a third (36%) said they feel unable to manage their unpaid caring role.

The Carers Recovery Fund is an important step towards further investment in carers as the largest providers of care in our communities. The Fund will be allocated as a one-off payment to individual carers, and can be used to support carer health and wellbeing, enable carers to take a short break and to improve the financial wellbeing of carers.

Cllr Joan Griffiths, Carers Champion for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I’m so pleased we’re investing £250k in this Carers Recovery Fund in recognition of the extra challenges and additional pressures they have faced during the pandemic.

“Many carers have been unable to get a break from their role and have suffered a loss of support networks so this one off investment recognises the dedicated, unheralded and unpaid work they do.

“This funding is really important in the current climate especially for young carers who have been badly affected by not being able to meet their friends through lost school time. Anything we can do to support them is welcome news and we look forward to working with VOCAL on this project.

“The Carers Recovery Fund is part of a wider £21m package boosting our work for core ambitions of the Council – tackling poverty and inequality, boosting sustainability and enhancing wellbeing for everyone here in Edinburgh.”

Sebastian Fischer, Chief Executive of VOCAL said: “We look forward to working with the City of Edinburgh Council to administer the new Carers Recovery Fund for unpaid carers across the city.

“As the Carers Week report has shown, many carers have not been able to access a break due to the pandemic. Now, more than ever, the health and social care system relies on unpaid carers.

“It is vital that their right to regular breaks is recognised. This investment is a statement of intent and will have a positive impact on the lives of individual carers across different caring roles.”