During the early part of summer 2022 we held 4 events across the county where we asked family carers to tell us what they think we should focus on over the next 2 – 3 years. To complement this we also ran an online survey in August and September, to gather the views of younger carers and those that were unable to attend the earlier events.
From this feedback we have identified your 4 high level priorities to take forward from 2023. We will have the Strategy refresh published during January, with the action plan and budgets in place by February 2023. We can then start to deliver what you have said is important to you…..
Your Priorities
Respite
More respite is needed along with additional help to understand the system to access official respite e.g. domiciliary care or a respite bed/more access to short breaks. This respite may be either with or without the person being cared for.
Emotional support and peer support
There is desire to be connected with other family carers for peer support or a buddy system. This would include matching information about the emotional support available and ensure it is most appropriate for the family carer.
Raising awareness of family carers
More work in local communities to explain who family carers are and linking with GPs, care homes, pharmacies and other organisations to explain how to better support family carers.
Amplifying the voice of family carers
Raise the profile of family carers. Includes having family carers tell their story to people of influence, greater exposure on radio print media (locally and nationally).
