Unpaid carers consultation coming soon

More work is planned over the next few months to refresh Argyll and Bute’s action plan and strategy for carers.

With latest research showing a rise in the number of carers and an increase in the needs of those they look after, information will also be coming soon on a consultation with unpaid carers on short breaks or respite options, says Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).

Carer services across Argyll and Bute have carried out an amazing role during the pandemic and quickly mobilised to provide services in different and innovative ways so they could continue their lifeline work for carers and provide respite and support, said an HSCP spokesperson.

In the summer unpaid carer services worked with Linda Currie, the HSCP’s lead for allied health professionals, on an informal consultation where they checked in with carers on how they were coping during lockdown and how they wanted to engage with services again, long term.

Most were keen to revert to face-to-face support when things were safer and this feedback reflected a recent report from Carers Scotland, Behind Closed Doors, which highlighted that four in five unpaid carers are providing more care than before lockdown.

More than three quarters of carers reported the needs of the person they cared for had increased; 64 per cent of carers had not been able to take any breaks in the last six months; 58 per cent of carers had seen their own physical health impacted by caring through the pandemic; while 64 per cent said their mental health had worsened.

Argyll and Bute HSCP urges carers needing guidance and support to contact their nearest carer services, social work team or speak to their GP, who can point to where help is available.

The Dochas Carer Centre in Lochgilphead is on 01546 600022, Mid Argyll Youth Development Service's number is 01546 603231 and North Argyll Carer Centre is on 01631 564422 with North Argyll Crossroads on 01631 562168.