Agenda item

The Chair welcomed to the meeting Ms Alison Harris, the Chief Executive Officer of Carers Trust, Crossroads Sir Gar who had been invited to attend the meeting for the consideration of this item.

The Committee received a report and presentation providing an overview of the activities and initiatives implemented to support the 48,000 unpaid carers in the region and the 24,000 unpaid carers in Carmarthenshire. The report covered a period of two years, since the previous report was presented to Committee in June 2016, and provided details of development both regional and country-wide and how we are taking the agenda forward.

Regional developments included the work of the West Wales Regional Carers Group and how it has progressed the work of the Carers Measure since it was repealed and subsumed within the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014.  Details were also provided of the West Wales Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19 and the evaluation report on the Carers Rights Day held on 24^th November, 2017.

The report demonstrated the high levels of recognition and support for Carers across the West Wales region and, in particular, the county of Carmarthenshire.  Compliance with legislation and commitment of resources form the foundation of support for Carers and has been recognised by the Care Inspectorate Wales.  Collaboration with health colleagues, neighbouring Local Authority colleagues and the third sector is prominent and highlights the positive approach to joint working around Carers that has developed in the region to align with the SSWBA.

Direct support for Carers can be illustrated by the amount of replacement care we provide that provides carers with a rest from caring or an opportunity to do other things that are important to them.  One indicator reflecting this is that Crossroads Carers Trust Sir Gar, a third sector provider, is the biggest branch in terms of turnover and employees, of the organisation in Wales.  Carmarthenshire is creative in the way that we address challenges with the Investors in Carers scheme and the Caring Boss Awards both recognised as good practice by the Welsh Government and Carers Wales will be emulated.

The Authority has been responsive to what it has been told by Carers, evidenced by the hugely successful outreach service commissioned after consultation with Carers for the Carers Measure, and continues to invest in a Carers Forum that offers carers space to express their issues and desires in a comfortable environment that provides an information conduit to and for service planners.  The Authority’s work in the future will build on these positives through a model of co-operation and co-production with Carers as we set about meeting the Welsh Government’s three priorities for Carers.

The following questions/observations were raised on the report:-

·       Concern was expressed that many unpaid carers are unaware of their right to claim PIP or DLA payments and officers were asked how this income avenue could be promoted.  The Committee was advised that Crossroads took over responsibility for the Catchup Welfare Advice Service on 1^st April, 2018 and they will be training their Welfare Advisers in this respect.  Members were reassured that every effort is made to ensure that carers receive all the benefits they are entitled to;

·       Asked how many of the 24,000 unpaid carers in the county do not use the services of Crossroads, the Carers Development Officer explained that some people do not want any assistance/involvement by others and would rather be left alone in their caring role.  The Committee was advised that Crossroads currently has 350 service users;

·       Reference was made to the fact that there is a maximum of 40 spaces for support for young carers and officers were asked why a limit is imposed.  The Carers Development Officer explained that it is important to identify those carers with the greatest needs as a priority;

·       The importance was stressed of being able to show that the service has improved and having targets that are both aspirations and achievable;

·       Reference was made to the significant amount of work undertaken by the West Wales Regional Partnership Board in relation to young carers;

·       Reference was made to the necessity for carers to be able to access a variety of transport options to access health services and officers were asked if carers are aware that those they care for can apply for a bus pass for themselves which will also entitle their carer to free travel.  The Carers Development Officer advised the Committee that such initiatives are promoted via the Carers Information Service.

RESOLVED

5.1     that the report be received;

5.2     that the Committee receive a report at a future meeting on the

work of the West Wales Regional Partnership Board in relation to           young carers.