Central Bedfordshire Council news and press releases

One month left for unpaid carers to have their say on consultation

Thursday, 3 February 2022

There is only one month left for unpaid carers, and those who receive care, to have their say on our Adult Carers Strategy consultation.

Find out more and have your say.

The strategy covers our approach over the next 5 years, outlining support for unpaid carers living in Central Bedfordshire.

An unpaid carer is someone who looks after a family member, neighbour, partner or friend who needs help. This care and could be for a few hours a day, a few days a week or around the clock. Many caring responsibilities arise unexpectedly, without any training, knowledge, or preparation.

Our new Adult Carers Strategy contains four priorities that we hope to put in place over the next 5 years to ensure unpaid carers:

  • are offered more appropriate information, advice and support, and are given opportunities to share their views and to help to shape local services
  • have the opportunity to have a family and community life that includes things of interest to them alongside their caring role
  • remain emotionally and physically well
  • receive training to enable them to support their cared for person better

It was developed with input from Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group (BLMK CCG), carers and voluntary and community organisations that deliver services and help represent the views of people they support.

It’s thought that the number of unpaid carers across the UK has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Carers UK reports that 81% of carers across the UK are providing more care than before lockdown.

Councillor Carole Hegley, our Executive Member for Adult Social Care said:

There are around 30,000 unpaid carers in Bedfordshire, which is about 10% of the local population. They provide incredibly valuable support, and in some cases, they put their lives on hold to do so. Therefore, it’s vital they feel supported.

The consultation on our Adult Carers Strategy is only open for another month, but there is still time to take part and I’d encourage you to do so. We’d like to hear from people who provide care and whose lives are impacted by their caring responsibilities, and those who receive care. Please do make sure you have had your say.