Worcestershire's Adult Carers Strategy
Worcestershire's Adult Carers Strategy'Carers at the Heart of Worcestershire's Families and Communities 2009-14'
Public Consultation Exercise
March to June 2010
Following a strategic review of carer support services in 2008/09 a new draft Carer Strategy for Worcestershire, 'Carers at the Heart of Worcestershire's Families and Communities 2009-14' has been developed with carers in partnership with voluntary and statutory sector agencies.
A copy of the full strategy and an easy read short version are attached.
The strategy now presented for wider public consultation has been shaped by a wide range of agencies and groups concerned with the delivery of carer support services.
Yet, although we believe that the strategic priorities set and the approaches recommended to achieve these priorities are the correct ones we are still keen to know the views of a wider cross section of individuals and organisations on these, and to capture views on how else we could meet the needs and aspirations of carers in the county.
The three priorities identified in the strategy reflect the key findings of the recent strategic review and also the need to respond to the national carer strategy launched in 2008. They are as follows:
· develop stronger governance structures for decision making concerning issues facing carers – to raise the profile of carers issues, ensure the active engagement of key partners in decision making, and encourage the allocation of adequate resources to deliver required support services
· improve carer confidence in the quality of support available to them and the person they care – in particular the flexibility and responsiveness of services to meet personal needs and aspirations, and the extent to which carers are engaged in decision making regarding the support provided
· delivering more equitable access to and improved support services for adult carers – in particular between those eligible for statutory support and those with lower needs, for carers in different districts of the county, and between carers of different ages
We are keen to know your views on these priorities and the actions recommended for achieving them, as summarised in the attached easy read short version.
In order to automatically collate responses we would prefer it if you could complete your responses on line here
Alternatively if you prefer to submit a paper copy please contact Helen Garfield at the Joint Commissioning Unit on 01905 822638.