Carers’ Information Strategies

Every local council in England and Wales should have an information strategy, containing up to date information on the range of support entitlements and assistance available for carers.

The information strategy should also outline how the local council and other important services such as the NHS and housing will promote accessible user-friendly information, using advice points such as libraries and Citizens Advice Bureaux, local voluntary agencies, and community groups.

In Scotland all NHS Boards must now have an information strategy. This should cover how carers will be identified and signposted to support, and training for staff. For more information about NHS Information Strategies in Scotland contact Carers Scotland: www.carerscotland.org

What should my local information strategy look like?

A good information strategy should address the following 5-point checklist:

WHO?

• Does it make provision for identifying the number of carers in the local area?
• Does it show how new and hard to reach carers are to be identified?
• Does it show how the council will work in partnership with local hospitals and NHS Trusts or health board, voluntary organisations, housing, employment, private providers to get information to carers?

WHAT?

• Does it include an A-Z of Carers Services so that carers are able to find out about opportunities in education, training, employment and leisure?

HOW?

• How will the council get information to carers – newsletters, internet, DVDs, events – such as Carers Rights Day, Carers Week, local press and radio
• Will it be published in different languages and formats appropriate for the local community?

WHERE?

The Scottish Ambulance Service has worked closely with Carers Scotland to develop its Carers’ Information strategy. Accompanied by staff awareness training this will help ensure that ambulance crews are able to identify and support carers, particularly in emergencies.