Unpaid carers could be given extra support and help to fulfil their crucial roles under a proposed new strategy that is set to be considered.
The proposed all‑age carers’ strategy would provide a countywide plan that has been shaped after conversations with unpaid carers about their experiences.
The plan sets out a clear ambition to create a North Yorkshire where people who look after family and friends feel valued and listened to.
There are approximately 54,000 unpaid carers ranging from children to pensioners aged in their 90s in North Yorkshire with some providing more than 50 hours of care each week.
They play a vital role helping their families and friends to live independently within their own homes and their communities.
However, many still struggle to get the right support at the right time, and some do not recognise themselves as carers, so they miss out on the help completely.
Executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said: “The reality of caring is that while it can be deeply meaningful, it can also be tough, lonely and full of hidden struggles.
“Balancing school, work, friendships and social activities is often difficult, and this can affect carers’ physical, emotional and financial wellbeing.
“By listening closely to carers and understanding their daily lives, we can offer personalised support that helps them live their own ordinary, fulfilling lives.
“We aim to ensure that North Yorkshire becomes a county where carers of all ages and backgrounds are recognised, heard and supported to live well.”
The draft “caring for all” strategy sets out clear priorities that will shape the support which carers of all ages receive. If it is adopted, it will replace the Caring for Carers plan and would focus on four key priorities:
- Collaborative and accessible support for carers.
- Helping carers stay healthy and well.
- Improving identification of carers and recognition of their roles.
- Evidence‑based personalised support that is tailored to the needs of carers.
As part of these commitments under the proposed strategy, we are set to pledge to work together across services to help make sure people who care for family and friends are identified and supported in the same way wherever they live in North Yorkshire.
If the new strategy is approved, carers will find it easier to find information as there will be simpler and more joined‑up routes to advice and practical help. The proposed strategy also aims to help carers stay well by enabling chances to take breaks, peer support and approaches that understand the impact of stress and trauma.
The chief executive officer at Carers Plus Yorkshire, Elizabeth McPherson, said: “For many years unpaid carers have been facing the same challenges, it’s vital the strategy demonstrates the importance to hear the voice of carers and difference it will make. Everyone is doing their best with the limited resources available, yet many people don’t even recognise themselves as carers until they reach a crisis point.
“I am pleased to see a strategy being developed that ensures carers in North Yorkshire are recognised, listened to and properly supported.”
The proposals for the strategy, which can change and grow as local needs and policies evolve, is due to be considered by councillors next month (July).
It will then go out to public consultation from Monday, 3 August, to Sunday, 27 September, inviting feedback from carers of all ages, professional partners and the wider public.
Cllr Harrison added: “The consultation is a vital step in ensuring the final strategy reflects what matters most to carers and provides a strong, shared plan for improving support across the county.
“By improving early support, more people will be able to recognise their caring role sooner and get help before things reach a crisis point.
“Ongoing work with carers and partners will continue to shape and improve services, making sure they genuinely meet carers’ needs.”
The draft strategy will be discussed at a meeting of the health and adult services executive meeting on Friday, 3 July, and the report can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF.