Views sought on plan to better support unpaid carers

1,600 carers fed into the initial design stages of the new strategy

Oxfordshire’s 50,000 unpaid carers are being asked for their seal of approval on a refreshed strategy designed to support them, so they can continue carrying out their vital caring role.

Oxfordshire County Council has developed the strategy directly with people who have real life experiences of being an unpaid carer.

They heard from 1,600 carers of different ages and faiths during the initial design stages.   They learned that carers felt increasingly isolated after the COVID pandemic and that they were tired and anxious – especially in relation to their finances.   The carers also fed back that information and guidance designed to support them was not easy to locate.

The overall vision for the new strategy is that unpaid carers should feel valued and living their best life.   There are specific commitments around properly identifying all carers and enabling them to have a fulfilled life away from their caring role.

A consultation on the principles and commitments of the strategy is now underway and unpaid carers in Oxfordshire are invited to offer their feedback.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Unpaid carers are hugely valued, not only by the people they care for but also by the health and social care system.

“By listening to carers we’ve heard they sometimes don’t receive the level of support they need and deserve, and it’s crucial that we hear about their experiences to create a refreshed strategy, allowing them to continue to do their incredible work.”

The consultation will stay open for one month and closes at midnight on Monday 3 July.

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Published: 06/06/2023 01:49pm by Banbury FM Newsteam

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