Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) working in close collaboration with Argyll and Bute Carers Centres officially launched Argyll and Bute Carers Strategy for 2024-2027 on Sunday, 10 June, the start of Carers Awareness Week.
An unpaid carer is someone who provides unpaid help to a friend or family member needing support, perhaps due to illness, older age, disability, a mental health condition or an addiction. Informal carers provide invaluable assistance to the people they look after. This is often a rewarding experience but can be very demanding and, for many carers impacts their physical health and mental wellbeing. Most of us will likely become a carer at some stage in our lives.
The Carers Centres across Argyll and Bute will host events during Carers Week to highlight the importance of supporting and promoting the new Carers strategy. These events aim to bring together carers, community members, and local organisations to share valuable resources, offer support, and celebrate the contributions of unpaid carers. Workshops, informational sessions, and social gatherings will be part of the itinerary, providing carers with opportunities to connect, learn, and ensure they know about all the support and services available to themselves and the cared for.
In addition to these events, Carers Centres will offer one-on-one consultations to help carers navigate the available unpaid carer support and services tailored to their needs, including eligibility for Social Security Scotland benefits. Special emphasis will be placed on health and wellbeing, acknowledging the emotional impact of caregiving and providing strategies to manage the caregiving role and enhance resilience.
Kirsty MacKenzie, Argyll and Bute HSCP, Carers Act Implementation Officer said: “I am very pleased with the new Carers Strategy, designed to empower unpaid carers and improve access to support, services, respite and short breaks. The strategy is centred on the overall health and wellbeing of unpaid carers and those being cared for.
“I would encourage community members to participate, whether by attending events or simply spreading the word. Together, we can ensure that unpaid carers receive the recognition and support they deserve, making Argyll and Bute a more compassionate and caring place for all.
"On behalf of The HSCP, I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all Argyll and Bute Carers Centres, stakeholders, carers and volunteers for their contributions to the design of the Carers Strategy."
Linda Currie, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, Associate AHP Director added: “Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership and partners acknowledge the incredibly valuable role that unpaid carers play in providing care for their loved ones, family, and friends. Carers can often be unseen, yet their experiences are equally important as those they care for. Supporting their health and wellbeing is our priority to help them cope with their caring role.
Carers Centres in Argyll and Bute are run by charitable organisations to provide people with information, support, or assistance. Based on identified needs and personal outcomes they may also assist and support with some respite or a short break. They can also help gain access to possible support or services by engaging with the Health and Social Care Partnership, if statutory supports are indicated, but only if people wish.
We encourage adult and young carers to get in touch with their local Argyll and Bute Carers Centres to determine if they are eligible for an Adult Carers or Young Carer Statement assessment. This could be the first step in getting important support. It's an opportunity to talk about the help you need as a carer. Contact details and further information on the services provided by the Carers Centers can be found on the Argyll and Bute Council website and are also listed below.
Crossroads (North Argyll), Albany Street, Oban, PA34 4AL - Enquiries 01631 562277 Email info@crossroadsna.org.uk https://www.crossroadsnorthargyll.co.uk/
Crossroads Cowal and Bute, 61/63 Argyll Street, Dunoon, PA23 7QT. Enquiries 01369 707700 Email carers@crossroadscowalandbute.org.uk
Dochas Carer's Centre, 50 CAMPBELL STREET, LOCHGILPHEAD, PA31 8JU. Enquiries 01546 600022 Email enquiries@dochasfund.org.uk https://dochas.scot/
Helensburgh and Lomond Carers' Centre, LOMOND STREET, HELENSBURGH, G84 7PW.Enquiries 01436 673444 https://www.hlcc.org.uk/
Mid Argyll Youth Development Service, 50a Union Street, Lochgilphead, PA31 8JS. Enquiries 01546 603231 Email info@mayds.org.uk https://www.mayds.org.uk/
North Argyll Carers Centre, Albany Street, Oban, PA34 4AL. Enquiries 01631 564422 Email info@northargyllcarers.org.uk https://www.northargyllcarers.org.uk/
Notes to Editors
Argyll and Bute published its first Caring Together Strategy in 2018 in response to the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016. This legislation supported how we work with unpaid carers in Argyll and Bute and provided an opportunity for us to focus and invest in them. Scotland’s National Carers Strategy was delivered on the 21st of December 2022 and was timely given the work of unpaid carers in supporting the safety and wellbeing of those being cared for during the Covid-19 pandemic. With our partners who support unpaid carers in Argyll & Bute, we have reviewed our strategy in this context, reflecting the national strategy, our collective learning since 2018 and aspirations in supporting and acknowledging the role of unpaid carers, especially as a vital part of care in our remote and rural geography.
Image left to right: Sarah Hill, Linda Currie, Barbra Milne, Julie Henderson, Isla Smith & Kirsty MacKenzie.