carers – Page 4 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Scotland’s invisible heroes to be celebrated during Kinship Care Week

Scotland’s kinship carers are often overlooked and undervalued by society despite making huge sacrifices to provide stable homes for vulnerable young people, according to the Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland (KCASS).

Kinship Care Week (15-21 March) aims to provide these unsung, and sometimes invisible, heroes with the recognition they deserve and to encourage support agencies to work together to provide families with timely and appropriate support.

Research* suggests the vast majority of kinship carers experience some form of hardship after taking over the care of a child of a family member or close friend. Many have to reduce their working hours, or give up work altogether, and they often find themselves in need of emergency financial and emotional support.

Recent Scottish Government statistics revealed there were 4,175 children living in kinship care in Scotland in 2019. However, it is estimated the true number could be as high as 11,000 when taking into account informal and private arrangements. Many of these families are not known to their local authority, meaning thousands of kinship carers could be missing out on vital support.

KCASS helps families in a range of ways, offering practical support and advice to families about finances, housing, education, dealing with trauma, mental health, legal matters, and more. Between September 2020 and February 2021, KCASS responded to 693 calls to its free helpline – more than 100 every month.

Susan Hunter, KCASS Project Coordinator, said: “It is our service’s role, in addition to providing kinship carers with financial, practical and emotional advice, to ensure their voices are heard when decisions are made which affect their lives, when legislation is introduced which impacts on their children’s futures, and when consultations are undertaken which explore the difficulties and struggles experienced by kinship families.”

Kinship Care Week features a range of webinars, training sessions and activities for carers, children and professionals. This year is the first time that KCASS has hosted the week since the service was taken over by Adoption UK in Scotland and the Adoption and Fostering Alliance (AFA) Scotland in September 2020, after previously being provided by Citizens Advice Scotland.

Fiona Aitken, Adoption UK’s Director in Scotland, said: “Kinship Care Week is an opportunity to highlight the amazing job that kinship carers do, along with the challenges that they face.

“We’re proud to work together with our partners to support kinship carers and their families. We hope this week puts kinship care families in the spotlight that they deserve.”

KCASS is funded by the Scottish Government and is committed to keeping The Promise, which pledges that children living in kinship care must receive the support they need to thrive.

Children’s Minister Maree Todd, who is taking part in an online Q&A session as part of the week, said: “Kinship Care Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the vital role kinship carers play in providing secure, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people who can no longer live with their parents.

“I’d like to thank all the carers, professionals and partner charities who have supported children and young people in kinship care during this difficult year.

“We are determined to improve the life chances of young people in kinship care through implementing the commitments made in The Promise, so they enjoy safe, fulfilling and loving childhoods. As part of that, the Scottish Government will work with partners, including KCASS, through the Kinship Care Collaborative to better support carers, children and professionals working with kinship families.”

Kinship carers experiencing difficulties or in need of advice are urged to call the free KCASS helpline on 0808 800 0006 from 10am – 2.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Time off from caring!

Recognising the impact of the pandemic and the challenges unpaid carers face in lockdown, Scottish Government allocated additional funds to help carers to access breaks from caring.

#Carers in Edinburgh can apply to VOCAL for one-off grants to fund activities, devices or services that support them getting a break from their caring role, despite current restrictions.

To find out more call VOCAL on 0131 622 6666, email centre@vocal.org.uk or visit https://weebreaks.com/wee-breaks-edinburgh/

VOCAL Edinburgh

New online module for Scottish universities supports student carers

Carers Trust Scotland and The Open University in Scotland have joined forces to help improve support to thousands of student carers in Scotland, who are studying alongside providing unpaid care for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.

Carer Aware is a new online training module which has been developed by Carers Trust Scotland and The Open University in Scotland with funding from The Scottish Funding Council. The module will help university staff to better understand the challenges faced by many student carers and provides guidance on how to improve support for these students at university.

Research by Carers Trust found that:

Student carers are four times more likely to drop out of college and university than those who are not carers;
84% of student carers find keeping good mental health while studying to be a challenge;
87% of student carers can find concentrating on assignments and work at home challenging.

Together, Carers Trust Scotland and The Open University in Scotland are calling on all Scottish universities to use this free resource to help their staff better identify, support and report on their student carers.

Scott Lafferty, Development Manager for Carers Trust Scotland, said: “Carers Trust Scotland is delighted to have worked with The Open University in Scotland to launch Carer Aware at University, an online module for university professionals.

“It aims to raise awareness to the challenges that many student carers face and offers guidance on how universities in Scotland can provide improved support to student carers, so that they have a fair chance to be successful in their own education and achieve their true potential in all aspects of their lives.”

Student carers can greatly benefit from dedicated support from their university and the Carer Aware at University online module should help improve outcomes for student carers after study.

Shona Littlejohn, Depute Director, Student Experience & Widening Access, at The Open University in Scotland, said: “Carer Aware at University is built around the stories of student carers as they share their experience of caring for a family member or friend, and the impact that has on their university studies.

“Huge thanks go to the many student carers who contributed to the course. This makes it a very compelling resource and really helps university staff better understand the challenges student carers face in juggling their unpaid care role alongside studying.”

This new resource complements existing work being undertaken by both organisations to raise awareness, improve identification and ensure adequate support is in place to give student carers a fair chance to be successful in their own education.

Since 2017, Carers Trust Scotland has been rolling out Going Higher for Student Carers Recognition Award, a scheme to assist and encourage all 19 of Scotland’s universities to develop their policies and practices to improve support for student carers, and award good practice. The Open University in Scotland achieved the award in 2020 demonstrating their commitment to improving their support for student carers.

Many student carers remain unidentified and unsupported at university and continue to be a hidden group.

There are student carers in every university trying to successfully complete their course to the best of their ability just like their peers. Yet, they often experience additional challenges because of their unpaid caring responsibilities and do not always receive the support they need to successfully complete university.

This prevents students with caring responsibilities from reaching their full potential, maintaining good health and wellbeing, and having equal access to the opportunities open to other students.

Additionally, due to the impact of the current Coronavirus pandemic, we know that many student carers are taking on additional caring responsibilities, therefore increasing the need for support at university.

The Carer Aware at University module was developed with partners in the University of Stirling, Heriot-Watt University, Glasgow Caledonian University and the College Development Network.

Social Care Reform: Listen to carers, says Holyrood Committee

A Health and Sport Committee report into the future of social care has said those delivering and receiving care must be at the heart of social care reform with the current model described as unsustainable.

The Committee say a national conversation on the future of social care is needed and that the myriad issues facing staff must be addressed in the development of any new system. The Committee’s report says the problems faced by the care sector have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Committee express concern over the lack of value placed on social care and social care staff, in stark contrast to NHS staff. The report emphasises the ongoing difficulty the sector faces in attracting and retaining staff; citing a lack of training and staff development opportunities, alongside low pay as the key reasons for this.

A number of problems with the current care model are highlighted by the Committee including the continued lack of progress on health and social care integration. They also recommend the Scottish Government seek alternative models of commissioning and procurement with the current ones described as ‘counter-intuitive’.

The Committee describe the current model of crisis driven, reactive care as unsustainable and say more must be done to shift the focus to a preventative model, involving local communities in the future planning of health and social care services.

Lewis Macdonald MSP, Convener of the Health and Sport Committee, said:
“Throughout this inquiry the message we have been given from those receiving care, and from paid and unpaid carers, is that they have not felt listened to and have been undervalued. That’s why it is essential that they are at the centre of much needed reform of the social care system.

“There is no doubt the current model of care is unsustainable, with some of the issues facing the sector exposed by the pandemic. We want to see a nationwide conversation held into the future of social care and we hope that the findings of our report, and the independent review, can help in shaping this future.

“We are grateful to all of those from across the care sector who provided evidence to our inquiry and gave their keen insight into how it is experienced in Scotland.

“I’d like to put on record our thanks to the tireless and passionate workforce, both paid and unpaid, who undoubtedly deserve better.”

Extra funding to support unpaid carers

An investment of £750,000 in local carer centres will increase support for unpaid carers of all ages, helping them to take a break from caring and access other much-needed help.

This recognises some of the challenges faced by unpaid carers, with many regular sources of support having stopped or moved online due to the pandemic.

It also comes in response to concerns about increasing pressure on carers – particularly while many traditional respite breaks are restricted or unavailable.

The funding will allow local carer centres to react flexibly to the needs of carers in their areas. Feedback from national and local carer representatives suggests there is a demand for extending existing services such as befriending, counselling or online support groups, as well as offering additional grants for carers which can be used for expenditure such as leisure equipment, hobbies or entertainment subscriptions.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Unpaid carers play a vital role in society but without the right support, caring relationships can break down, which can result additional health or social care support being needed for the cared for person, their carer, or both.

“This funding will enable carer centres to decide how best to promptly meet local need. It is designed to ensure more unpaid carers – including young carers – can benefit from a much-needed break and emotional support.”

On behalf of Scotland’s National Carer Organisations, Don Williamson, Chief Executive of Shared Care Scotland, said: “COVID-19 has made life hugely challenging for unpaid carers, many of whom are struggling on with little or no opportunity to have any breaks from their caring. We therefore very much welcome this additional funding from Scottish Government which will go towards increasing the capacity of local carer services so they can provide support to more carers, including with accessing breaks, to help them over the particularly difficult winter months.”

Singing the Praises of Carers

VOCAL are delighted to have a special performance by the Phoenix Choir, Edinburgh to spread our message that Carers Are Stars!

They have produced a beautiful rendition of I Love Your Smile , introduced by VOCAL Chief Executive, Sebastian Fischer.

We are delighted to share this seasonal treat with all our carers, partners, volunteers and supporters across Edinburgh and Midlothian.

View the video on our webpage here or directly on Vimeo.

To donate to VOCAL’s work with carers, please go to our Carers Are Stars! JustGiving campaign. Thank you.

Wishing you all a peaceful Christmas and New Year, from everyone at VOCAL.

Carers in Edinburgh urged to seek support

Still Game star highlights valued work of carers in new campaign

Carers across Edinburgh are being urged to seek emotional and practical support through a new national campaign, delivered in partnership with Still Game’s Jane McCarry.

Jane, who plays Isa Drennan in the BBC Scotland sitcom, is a ‘sandwich’ carer – that means she cares for her mother while juggling childcare and work responsibilities. Jane marked the launch of the campaign by addressing carers from across Scotland at this year’s virtual Carers Parliament event.

With more caution about going out, as well as services being under pressure because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, even more people have taken on a caring role.

Before the pandemic, there were an estimated 690,000 carers in Scotland, however recent polling by YouGov suggests this figure could have increased by an additional 390,000^[1] during COVID-19 and lockdown, taking the potential total number of carers in Scotland to around 1.1 million.

The campaign aims to make sure that all who are new to caring, as well as those who were before, are aware there is support out there for them and can come forward to access it.

Although most support is being provided remotely, services are still open and ready to welcome carers. There’s a range of support measures available nationally and locally to help improve carers’ quality of life, with local carer centres across Scotland offering sessions such as virtual support groups, information, advice and online relaxation sessions.

Local carer centres in Edinburgh can help all carers prepare their own personalised support plans.

Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick attended the virtual Carers Parliament event. He said: “Carers are juggling a lot between work, family, friends and their caring duties – it’s crucial for their own wellbeing that they get the support they deserve.

“They may not be aware of what’s available to them, or they may not even recognise themselves as carers, but there is support available nationally and locally to help improve their quality of life.

“Crucially, we want carers to recognise that they’re not alone. There is a community of carers on every doorstep and every street. Together, it’s important to connect them with emotional and practical support that works for them.”

Jane said: “I know first-hand how challenging it is to be a carer for a close friend, neighbour or family member. The working day doesn’t end yet you never view your responsibility as a burden because you’re ‘just’ looking after someone you love.

“The reality, however, is hard – both mentally and physically – and sometimes we all need some support, be it counselling, peer support sessions or even just sitting down for a virtual cuppa with someone who knows what you’re going through.

“I’d encourage anyone in a caring role to seek out the support that’s on offer to them.”

Jill Franklin, 51, from Edinburgh, is a carer for her two autistic sons and has experienced the benefits of taking advantage of the support on offer.

She said: “It’s crucial that carers take advantage of the support available to them and take some time back for themselves. In my own personal situation, I was referred to the carers’ allowance which helped me financially.

“I’ve also received help from VOCAL, an organisation supporting unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

“Their support helped me to pay a childminder which allowed me to take some time to study for a masters in playwriting. It’s so important to take time too for yourself which helps ensure you can continue to provide care to your loved ones when they need it most.”

The annual Carers Parliament is organised by Carers Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government and in partnership with national carer organisations, with this year’s virtual event including seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities for those in a caring role.

For more information on the support available to carers, please visit nhsinform.scot/caring or call 0800 011 3200.

Do we still need to reach higher and go further for Scotland’s student carers?

Carers Trust Scotland investigates the challenges for student carers

New Carers Trust Scotland research shows the key challenges for Scotland’s student carer population.

Key findings from student carer respondents:

47% find it difficult to attend class.
75% struggle with finances and budgeting.
35% find handing in coursework on time challenging.
61% struggle to concentrate in class.

Since October 2019, Carers Trust Scotland has been undertaking research into the experiences of student carers across Scotland’s colleges and universities. This study was made possible due to generous funding by Mr and Mrs JMB Charitable Trust.

It is estimated that there are over 30,000 students in Scotland, studying alongside providing unpaid care for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.

Student carers, carer services and college and university staff from across Scotland’s colleges and universities were invited to participate in the research through interviews and surveys. Their perspectives have shaped the research, which illuminates the challenges for student carers and the support that can improve their experiences.

From application stages, through to the experience of studying, student carers face unique challenges. Unpaid carers give their caring role a great amount of thought when applying to college or university.

For many students, studying is an opportunity to move away from home and into student accommodation. Student carers, however, may be unable to move away from their caring responsibilities.

For those that stay at home, it is important that they can travel from college or university to the person they care for as quickly as possible, and so the location of course is given consideration.

Studying itself can present challenges for unpaid carers, with their time under pressure from caring responsibilities, their studies and in many cases, part time work.

Attending class, concentrating on work both at home and on campus, and meeting coursework deadlines are difficulties faced by many. A lack of time and competing responsibilities can take its toll, with 84% of student carers surveyed finding it challenging to keep good mental health while studying.

Finding time to socialise is also difficult for student carers, which can leave many feeling isolated from their peers, and the wider college or university community.

College and university staff, are aware that studying is challenging for unpaid carers and want to provide comprehensive support. However, it can be difficult to reach unpaid carers within student populations, meaning that it is only at crisis point when recourse for action is more limited, that student carers become known.

Supporting student carers can be challenging for college and university staff who are managing large caseloads and working with many students requiring support.

Considering the challenges student carers face, and the barriers that college and university staff face in supporting them, the Student Carer Experience in Scotland makes recommendations and suggestions that could improve the studying experience for student carers.

Visible, proactive and flexible support, with individually tailored and practical solutions can help student carers on their college and university journey. Despite challenges, with the right support in place student carers can, and do succeed in their studies.

Hannah Martin, Research and Engagement worker for Carers Trust Scotland said: “Studying can be a real challenge for student carers. There are many barriers, unique to their circumstances, that they can face from application right through to completing their course.

“The good news, is that there are measures that can support student carers, that college and university staff can take on.”

VOCAL ‘Super Six’ complete skydive challenge

Defying gravity isn’t for everyone but six supporters of VOCAL have persevered through bad weather and COVID restrictions to complete their 10,000ft skydives.

The ‘Super Six’ all took on the challenge last year to raise funds and awareness of VOCAL – Voice of Carers Across Lothian: the charity supporting ununpaid carers looking after partners or family members with health and disability issues that require care in the home.

“I think when I signed up I was keen to raise some cash for VOCAL, but since COVID I have been doubly determined to ensure that the carers looking after the most vulnerable in our communities are recognised for their vital role during this crucial time,” said Julie Forster, who did her jump at the end of September describing it as “the craziest thing ever”.

Wendy Brooks, who works directly with carers at VOCAL said: “We had to postpone the jump throughout lockdown but rather than giving up we persevered.

“We knew the cause was so important and really wanted to complete this huge personal challenge. It was scary – but I am so glad to have done this!”

Emma Rogers also completed her jump as part of a suite of challenges in support of VOCAL: “It was so good to complete this challenge.

“I have abseiled from the Forth Bridge and climbed Ben Nevis, but this was the scariest but most amazing challenge yet. I am so thankful that my parents and grandad got to see me complete the jump.”

Also jumping were three members of the Pattinson family: sisters Emma and Katie with their father Jon.

“It was amazing to have this family skydive adventure” said Emma. “We were so supportive of each other and really kept each other going during lockdown until we got news that we could get together and make that leap. And we did it!”

The Super Six send thanks to the hundreds of sponsors who came on board to raise about £4,500 for VOCAL.

Julie added: “It was just hard that we couldn’t give each other huge hugs and get a great team photo together because of the coronavirus. But maybe the next Super Six will!”

VOCAL are now recruiting for the next set of adventurous supporters to show their recognition of the invaluable work done by the thousands of people who take on intensive and complex caring roles across Edinburgh and Midlothian.

Care for Carers

Care for Carers package needed to support mental health of 3 million NHS and care staff

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP, Labour’s Shadow Mental Health Minister has called for a shake-up of mental health support to ensure that, for the first time ever, 3.1 million NHS and care workers get the same fast-tracked help and advice.

Labour has designed a new four-stage Care for Carers package to cover all NHS and social care staff in England, including contracted workers such as porters, cleaners and support staff who are doing vital and often distressing work during the coronavirus pandemic and are more likely to be low paid and on insecure contracts.

The package, staffed by paid professionals, includes:

1. A new national hotline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

2. Follow-up support, including specialist assessments and referrals

3. Intervention and treatment, including specialised PTSD support

4. Follow-up and sign-posted to external services, such as alcohol and addiction services

Current support available is inadequate because it does not cover private sector staff doing NHS and social care work, and there are long waiting lists and significant regional variations. In some areas, nurses can wait for a year for an appointment. The current Covid-19 support hotline offers emotional support and signposting, but does not lead on to psychological therapies.

Labour is also calling for the Government to appoint a new independent national wellbeing guardian to coordinate and oversee the support, and to hold the Government and NHS employers to account.

The watchdog would work with unions, NHS Trusts, local authorities and care providers to ensure all staff know how to access the scheme and give them the confidence that their wellbeing was being championed and protected.

The pandemic has exacerbated an already grim picture for staff mental health. Almost five million working days were lost to poor mental health in 2019; stress is estimated to account for over 30% of NHS staff absence at a cost of up to £400 million a year; the BMA says 41% of doctors suffer with depression, anxiety, stress and other mental health conditions relating to their work; and more than half of carers say they are emotionally exhausted, according to the IPPR.

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said: “Even before the pandemic hit, the case for investing in this kind of support was clear. Coronavirus has exacerbated the existing crisis in mental health.

“Many NHS and social care staff have been scared of going to work, and they have lost patients and colleagues. It has been heartbreaking to witness the toll this virus has taken on staff mental health.

“Current support is not good enough, and without a tailored, fast-tracked service for staff who have faced death and despair every day for over three months, our frontline heroes will continue to be failed.

“We need to care for our carers. It is time for the Government to give back to those who have sacrificed so much to keep our loved ones safe. Unless our staff are protected, they cannot continue their vital work of keeping us all safe.”

Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, has welcomed Labour’s demands to provide fast-tracked mental health services for three million NHS and care workers.

The union said Labour’s plans would provide ‘much needed support’ for the mental wellbeing of health and care staff who have faced increased pressures and distress during the pandemic.

Unite national officer Jacalyn Williams said: “These plans would create much needed support for the mental health of NHS and care staff who have faced the brunt of the worst impacts of the pandemic day after day.

“Having lost patients and colleagues, and with the threat of the virus to themselves and their loved ones ever present, it is no surprise that the mental health of staff in the health and social care sector has suffered.

“After years of service cuts, staff shortages and increased workloads, there was already a mental health crisis amongst health and social care workers, but the pandemic has made the situation a lot worse.

“Unite welcomes Labour’s proposals and calls on the government to implement them as soon as possible.”

Commenting on Labour’s plans for a mental health package for NHS and care staff, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Health and care staff have been working under huge pressures over the past few months, while most of us have been safe at home.

“Fears about falling ill, passing the virus on to loved ones or those they care for, and working without adequate safety kit have only added to the stress.

“Even before the pandemic hit, overworked staff were suffering with their mental health. The Covid crisis will only have heightened these problems.

“Health and care workers who’ve been up against it since March, need time off to recharge their batteries and support to help them cope with what they’ve been through.

“A one-size-fits-all approach of occupational health assistance won’t work. Support must be much more tailored to suit individual needs than is currently the case.

“The government needs to get much better at looking after all of those who do so much to look after all of us.”