Carers
Support for Carers in Clackmannanshire
Who is a carer ?
Carers have a primary role in looking after people who are ill, disabled, vulnerable or frail. Despite the many burdens that may be placed on people who are carers, they often feel rewarded by their role and see it as an extension of an already caring and loving relationship and wish to continue. Carers can also feel stressed and can suffer physical injury through caring, which in turn affects their quality of life and ability to care.
The government knows from research that carers are providing a substantial amount of care, often on their own and without the support of public services. Legislation and new directives from government have raised awareness of carers' needs and set out requirements for action by local authority and health providers in partnership with carers and organisations who support them.
It is estimated that there are 6000 carers in Clackmannanshire. Only a small percentage of carers have been in touch with the partnership of organisations providing services in the Clackmannanshire area.
Clackmannanshire Council and NHS Forth Valley aim to identify and reach "hidden" carers, by raising awareness, providing public information and ensuring that staff identify carers in need.
Carer's Assessment
When someone who is providing care for friends or relatives is identified by social services, they are offered a Carers Assessment; This is the means by which social service and health service providers can be informed by carers about the care that they provide, the impact of caring on their own lives and the support they need to continue caring.
Carers can request an assessment and receive information, advice and support from the Community Care Assessment Teams and from the Child Care Team.
Additional Support and Information
The Princess Royal Trust for Carersprovides information, advice and support for carers in Clackmannanshire. Their local office is at the Whins Resource Centre, Whins Road, Alloa, tel: 01259 219288.
You can also refer to the document Carers and their rights: the law relating to carers which is available on the Carers UK website.
Young Carers
We have a separate web page containing information about Young Carers.
Strategy for Carers
The Clackmannanshire Strategy for Carers 2005-2008 sets out aims, objectives and plans for the improvement and development of services to support carers.
The Carers Strategy Group, which includes representation from carers reviewed the Strategy in 2009, and as a result regular Carers' Forum meetings have been convened to look at key issues for carers. Information about Carers' Forums can be obtained from The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.
In 2010, a new national strategy for carers will be launched and the Clackmannanshire Carers' Strategy Group will take this forward locally.
The NHS Forth Valley Carer Information Strategy (nationally funded for 2008 - 2011) is being put into action to ensure that carers are identified in the health care system and that they are informed about health provisions and support available. With support from NHS Forth Valley and Clackmannanshire Council, the Carers Centre has employed workers in hospital and community bases to promote a greater awareness of carers, and to provide information and training to staff and to carers themselves.
Publications & documents
External Links
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Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Service Manager - Adult Assessment, Adult Care
Lime Tree House, Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EX
Tel: 01259 452498 / 450000
Email: adultcare@clacks.gov.uk
Or use the on-line contact form
