Views sought on new-look plans to support county’s carers

PEOPLE are being urged to share their views on plans to support carers a over the next three years. A consultation on the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Carers Strategy 2022-2025 will run until the middle of next month. It is estimated there are about 100,000 carers in Leicestershire. The strategy has been developed jointly by Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and Rutland Council and the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and is a revised version of the 2018– 2021 strategy, Recognising, Valuing and Supporting Carers. The update is designed to make the strategy clearer and more accessible. The consultation will seek the views of public, carers and the people they look after as well as organisations that work with carers, and council staff. Views are being sought through an online questionnaire and via targeted group consultation with carers, particularly those who are currently accessing support from Leicestershire County Council. Councillor Christine Radford, county council cabinet member for adults and communities, said: “Looking after a person that you care about is something that many of us want to do. “Caring can be very rewarding, helping a person develop or re-learn skills, or simply helping to make sure your loved one is as well supported as they can be. “If you’re a carer or you’re looked after yourself or you’re part of the wider care industry please take part in the consultation and help us inform our final strategy. “An engagement exercise last year demonstrated that Leicestershire carers continue to identify with the priorities contained in the 20182021 strategy. These included recognising and valuing carers, helping them have their own lives alongside their caring responsibilities and making sure they have the support they need at the times the need it. The consultation will shape the final version of the new-look carers’ strategy for the coming three years, establish future plans across the partnership, and set out specific actions for the county council to address in Leicestershire. The consultation outcomes, the final refreshed strategy and an action plan for Leicestershire will be discussed by the council’s adults and communities overview and scrutiny committee and cabinet in the autumn. To take part in the consultation, visit: