The proposed development of the all-age integrated carers strategy for 2024 to 2029, was discussed by the council’s decision-making executive on Tuesday 19 September. Carers play a vital role in supporting many of our most vulnerable residents and the proposal will make sure carers get the assistance they need.
This strategy is for carers of all ages, living in Bracknell Forest. It will provide direction on carers’ support to be delivered with partners in health and the voluntary and community sector over the next 5 years. It will also form the basis for a 12-week public consultation, gathering the views of carers within the community.
In the 2021 Census, over 8,700 people in Bracknell Forest identified themselves as a carer. However, the total number is expected to be higher as many people do not consider themselves carers. Of these, 330 were aged 5 to 17 and 245 were aged 18 to 24.
The majority of carers, 87%, are not known to the council and it is important that we are able to reach carers to support them in their caring role.
The draft strategy was coproduced with:
- carers
- voluntary and community sector organisations
- health and social care professionals
It identifies a number of priorities, including:
- recognising and supporting carers in the wider community
- services and support that work for carers
- employment and financial well being
- supporting young carers
- young adult carers
Cllr Megan Wright, executive member for adult services, health and housing, said:
“The proposed public consultation will provide valuable insight into the needs of carers in the borough. It will build on the things we already support; such as the Wayz youth group for young carers and the dementia carers coffee mornings, and enable us to offer carers of all ages the support they need to continue to offer the wonderful care they provide.”
Grainne Siggins, executive director for people services, said:
“Carers of all ages play a vital role in supporting people who have care and support needs. It is important that we are ambitious in our intent and desire to reach and improve outcomes and quality of life for all carers in Bracknell Forest.”
Following the public consultation, we will analyse the feedback and views gathered to make sure these inform and shape the final draft of the strategy.
An action plan will be developed to track the impact of the strategy. This will reflect the identified priorities and include:
- how the priorities will be met
- timescales
- responsibilities for making sure actions have been achieved
