© 2021 Crossroads For Carers-
61/63 Argyll Street,
Dunoon, PA23 7NJ
Tel: 01369 70 7700 (Cowal)
Mobile: 07827 772 358 (Deborah Rough)
Email: deby@crossroadscowalandbute.org.uk
CARERS ACT
On 1st April 2018 the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 came into effect. The Act extends and enhances the existing rights of Carers in Scotland. This is to help improve their health and wellbeing so that they can continue to care, if they so wish, and support their ability to have a life alongside caring.
The Carers Act 2016 brings a new range of duties and powers which include:
Adult Carer Support Plans & Young Carer Statements
These plans will replace Carers' assessments and consider a range of areas that impact on a Carer. Young Carer statements must also be produced.
Carers Charter
This sets out the rights of Carers under the Act
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria for access to services for Carers must be published.
Carer Involvement
Carers must be involved in both the development of Carers' services and in the hospital discharge processes for the people they care for.
Local Carers Strategies
Local Carers' strategies, must be produced and reviewed within a set period.
Information and Advice
An information and advice service must be provided for relevant Carers, with information and advice about rights, advocacy, health and wellbeing (amongst others)
Short Breaks Statements
To prepare and publish a statement on short breaks, and flexible respite options, available in Scotland for Carers and cared for persons.
CARERS CENTRE
A carer is anyone, including children and adults who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid.
Many carers don't see themselves as carers and it takes them an average of two years to acknowledge their role as a carer It can be difficult for carers to see their caring role as separate from the relationship they have with the person for whom they care, whether that relationship is as a parent, child, sibling, partner, or a friend.
It's likely that every one of us will have caring responsibilities at some time in our lives with the challenges faced by carers taking many forms. Many carers juggle their caring responsibilities with work, study and other family commitments. Some, in particular younger carers, are not known to be carers. They don't tell relatives, friends or health and care professionals about their responsibilities because of a fear of separation, guilt, pride or other reasons.
Crossroads Cowal and Bute Carers Centre provides a needs led service which puts the carers at the heart of all support offered and ensures that their voices are listened to.
The aim is to:
Enhance the quality of life for carers and their families
Empower carers to maximise their rights and entitlements
Raise public awareness of carers and their needs
Raise awareness of the value of carers and their contribution to society
Become a recognised centre of Excellence for carer support
Support Services Available:
- Carers wellbeing service
- Social events and days out
- Health and wellbeing events
- Training/information sessions
- Access to wellbeing and health promotion strategies such as mindfulness, stress management, telephone support
- Support and information service
- Home visits
- Directive 1-
1 support - Information packs
- Emotional support and listening
- Carer Support Plans
- Signposting/referral to other services
- Emergency planning
- Knowing your rights as a carer
- Informal advocacy
Crossroads (Cowal & Bute)
Endeavours to provide a high quality respite and support service in the community to enable carers to take a break and continue with their caring role.
