A new strategy has been developed to improve the support available to people who regularly provide unpaid care to a relative, friend or neighbour.
Cornwall Council have spoken to carers of all ages and backgrounds to understand what matters to them to help develop the strategy.
The strategy has informed the specification of a new community-based support service.
Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna said:
“Carers provide essential, often round-the-clock support with little recognition. Their contribution is immense, yet many face isolation, financial strain and health challenges.
“This strategy starts to tackle these issues, ensuring carers are identified early, supported consistently and empowered to live well.”
Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Children’s, Families and Schools, Cllr Hilary Frank said:
“Caring can be rewarding but demanding. That’s why this strategy focuses on practical support: better access to information, emotional help, financial advice and flexible services in the communities where carers live.
“It also aims to help more people understand carers’ needs, and make sure services across Cornwall work in ways that support people in caring roles.”
The service will centre around a number of different priorities, including:
- Providing improved access to information and advice
- Making sure support is flexible and person-centred
- Recognising the emotional and financial impact of caring
- Recognising the impact that caring roles can have on children and young people’s development
- Supporting people to maintain their own health and wellbeing
- Providing different ways of accessing support, both digital and non-digital
- Stronger collaboration between health, social care, and voluntary sector partners
Cllr McKenna added:
“This strategy provides a strong foundation, but its success depends on partnership working across our system. By championing carers in every conversation, assessment, and decision, we can ensure they receive the respect and support they deserve.
“Over the coming months, we’ll be working closely with partners and carers to smoothly transition into the new service.”
Some key parts of the new service include:
- Connecting carers of all ages with a wider range of community-based well-being activities, peer networks, and specialist support.
- Partnerships with education, children’s services, and youth organisations that will ensure young people with caring responsibilities are better identified and supported.
- Training and engagement across health, social care, and community partners to ensure carers are recognised as experts by experience.
- Access to statutory carers assessments for carers of all ages, and short breaks, to prevent crises
The strategy was agreed at Cornwall Council Cabinet meeting.
Caring in Cornwall - A strategy for children, young people and adult carers