Agenda item

The Director for Adult Social Care and Commissioning submits a report to provide the Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission with an update on the Joint Social Care and Health Recognising, Valuing and Supporting Carers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Carer Strategy 2018 to 2021.

The Commission is recommended to note the report and provide feedback and comments to the Director for Adult Social Care and Commissioning.

The Director for Adult Social Care and Commissioning submitted an update on the Joint Social Care and Health Recognising, Valuing and Supporting Carers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Carer Strategy 2018 to 2021. Commission Members were recommended to note the report and provide feedback.

The Director for Adult Social Care and Commissioning presented the report and introduced Cheryl Clegg from Age UK, Leicestershire and Rutland, and Philippa Stanbridge from Leicester Carers Support Service.

It was noted that the Strategy provided a shared vision with eight guiding principles. It was further noted the delivery plan was in final draft form and was on target to be published early March 2020. Production of the plan had started during Carers Week June 2019 and relevant organisations and carers had provided input towards its development.

Delivery of the plan was outlined in the report. It was noted that methods and approaches to measure impacts and achievements were detailed in the Carers Strategy and would be measured every year against national indicators.

Cheryl Clegg provided an outline of the Leicester Carers Support Service (attached for information) based in Clarence House which had been the main support service for carers, provided on behalf of the Council for carers over the age of 18 since 1 July 2019. It was noted that carers under 18 were supported through Barnardo’s on behalf of the Council.

A leaflet was circulated to the Commission Members (attached for information) which outlined a variety of services and support, including information and advice, carers cafes, group activities and peer support groups. Carer learning and training ran sessions such as Mindfulness and wellbeing activities. A recent presentation had been given on alcohol and substance misuse. It was stated that carers could be in complex situations, and many carers were not in the best of health themselves. The Leicester Carers Support Service offered emotional support to all carers.

Carers could drop into the hub at any time for information and support. It was noted that carers came from all backgrounds, were wide ranging in age, with some new to the role, and others may have been caring for many years, and could be supporting one person or multiple people. Activities took place at Clarence House and around the city. Members were told that intensive support was given to 339 carers and numbers were increasing, with an average of 30+ people a week visiting the carers’ hub. The Service also took direct referrals.

Members were informed that one group had been started in response to demand. The Cared for Carers Group was slightly different and supported carers who could not leave the person they were caring for. The group was growing in size and was proving invaluable.

The Service continued to hold a number of outreach sessions which were advertised, and staff were present to provide information and advice on the support available. It was noted that carers often did not identify that they were in a caring role initially until questioning drew out information on the role they were performing. The Service was also looking to introduce Carers Passports to show an individual was a carer. It was noted there were no criteria to be met to receive support as a carer but carers under the age of 18 would be referred to Barnardo’s.

A Benefits Adviser had also been appointed to help complete forms such as DWP applications and help deal with housing issues. It was noted that carers often struggled financially, an issue which could have a severe impact on health.

The Support Service used a strength-based approach, looking at the carers’ own strengths and capabilities. The Service was involved in strategic work with authorities and Carers’ Rights days and had positions on the Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Partnership Boards and would soon be holding its first Carers Panel.

A new logo was being designed for Leicester Carers Support Service, which was also looking at having a separate website and rebranding leaflets for a fresher look that would appeal to younger carers.

The Service was in the process of planning activities throughout the year, including some evening events where carers could come along and meet young carers in the same situation, and an event on a Saturday for those carers that worked. Previously events had been held at gurdwaras and temples and had been invited by various companies to hold stands. Other venues would be looked at across the city, and the Service was in the process of building relations and establishing contacts in different communities.

The Chair recommended that events be taken to other areas within the community.

Members were informed that support was also given to carers who suddenly stopped caring, for example, if the cared-for person died or went into care, which could make the carer feel very lost.

In response to a question from Members, the Director of Adult Social Care and Commissioning said the contract with Leicester Carers Support Service was monitored, statistical information was provided by the service, and quality checks were undertaken as part of the process.

The Chair asked that an update report and delivery plan be brought to the Scrutiny Commission in six months’ time and that Age UK, Leicestershire and Rutland be invited also to discuss progress.

AGREED:

that:

1.    the report and comments made by the Scrutiny Commission be noted.

2.    Leicester Carers Support Service hold events in other areas of the City.

3.    the Scrutiny Commission to receive an update report and delivery plan in six months.

4.    Age UK, Leicestershire and Rutland be invited to a future meeting in six months to discuss progress.