Argyll launches new carers strategy

Argyll and Bute sees the launch of its new carers strategy this week, writes Kathie Griffiths.

A one-day event at the Inveraray Hotel tomorrow (Friday March 15) will bring together carers, representatives from the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), carer centres and other organisations working improve the daily lives of young and adult carers.

MSP for Argyll and Bute Michael Russell will be opening the conference, and key speakers will be sharing their expertise and experience on a wide range of support and services available to unpaid carers across the district.

The newly developed carers strategy has been designed to reduce any negative impact caring roles have on carers’ personal lives.

During the conference there will also be information stands and sessions available for carers to be listened to and meet representatives from the Integration Joint Board (IJB) and the HSCP leadership team.

There will also be advice on hand about wellness for carers with an opportunity to participate in a Tai Chi gentle exercise and soul singing sessions.

Linda Currie, Argyll and Bute HSCP lead for allied health professionals, said the HSCP was proud of the multi-agency approach taken in producing the strategy which had great support during the consultation with a number of Argyll and Bute carers helping shape the final versions.

She said: ‘This is a new era for carers across Scotland with support for them in their caring role now a statutory requirement. One of our key objectives in Argyll and Bute HSCP has been to support carers and the Carers Act provides a real mechanism for doing that. In the next few years we expect demand and services to build up for both adult and young carers.

‘The Carers Partnership looks forward to working together to deliver the implementation plan within the strategy and improving our support and services for carers, including identifying unknown carers and people who do not recognise themselves as carers.’