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Carers Action Network

…”Imagine a job that employs more than seven million people, that offers no breaks, no holiday allowance, and no pay…those are the conditions under which about 13% of the Scottish population works. They are carers”… Scotland on Sunday Magazine

The circumstances of carers are likely to be different, depending on the needs and circumstances of the person being care for:

A parent looking after, or supporting a young adult with mental illness may need information about the illness, and how to respond appropriately to its more challenging symptoms and behaviours.
Someone caring for a partner who has experienced a stroke or a head injury, with subsequent physical disabilities, may need training in personal care, moving and handling, or nursing techniques.
Someone providing care and support for an older parent, perhaps living at a distance may need help and reassurance to understand the risks involved, and the availability of services in a different area.
A child or young person caring for a parent who abuses alcohol or drugs needs to know that the responsibility is not theirs and they have to learn how to cope in order to stay at home with the parent they love.

There are, therefore, disadvantages in talking about carers as though they are a homogeneous group who share the same needs. Experience over the past few years has, however, shown that there are major common but unmet needs for information, for continuing reliable support, and for a break.

Social policy in Scotland relating to the recognition and support of carers has developed greatly over the past decade. The Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995 and National Carers Strategies were major steps forward in government and society recognising the enormous contribution made by informal carers to the continuing care and welfare of its citizens.

The Scottish Parliament approved a strategy for carers. It set out in detail how the Executive planned to implement the UK strategy “Caring for Carers”, launched earlier by the Prime Minister.

It described the contribution made by people of all ages who looked after relatives, friends, or family members who, because of disability, mental or physical illness, the consequences of old age, or addictive behaviours, cannot manage at home without help. This strategy required every local authority and health board to ensure that all carers had improved access to better and more flexible services at a local level.

Download Carers Action Network (South Ayrshire) Research Report (344 KB)

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Carers Action Network