A message from Councillor Anna Wright, Camden Cabinet Member for Health

Carers are unsung heroes of our communities. Every day people take on new caring responsibilities, performing a crucial role in families and in their wider communities, by providing support, care and help with day-to-day tasks for those who otherwise would struggle to manage alone. Research by Carers UK finds that unpaid carers in England and Wales contribute £445 million per day to the economy which is around £162 billion per year. The value of unpaid care is equivalent to a second NHS in England and Wales!

But who cares for the carers? There is a wealth of research over many years that makes the case that carers need support. We know that carers have been deeply impacted by the pandemic, that carers experience social isolation and loneliness, that carers often neglect their own health and wellbeing in their dedication to caring for the needs of others. We also know that some of the inequalities that exist across Camden’s population also exist among carers. Camden’s Building Equal Foundations Report, which looked at the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on Black, Asian, and other ethnic communities in Camden found evidence that carers from some Black, Asian, and other ethnic backgrounds are less likely to access support through traditional channels. This effect coupled with that of the cost-of-living crisis continues to have a long-lasting impact.

Camden’s strategy for living and ageing well in Camden is called Supporting People, Connecting Communities and it sets out the priority to ensure that every carer feels valued and supported. The idea of the Carers Action Plan grew from the desire to make this promise a reality.

This Carers Action Plan is special because it has been developed by carers for carers. We know that services that are informed by and designed with those who draw on support are going to be better suited to the needs of those they are intended to serve. Most importantly, the plan is framed around specific actions that aim, for example, to offer earlier support for carers before they reach a crisis point enabling them to sustain their caring roles for as long as possible. Carers were also clear that we need to have services that work together, and better include carers as valued partners.

Camden has a responsibility to champion all carers and to connect more carers to support wherever possible. By working alongside carers to develop this plan we believe we can strengthen the support available and make it more equitable and accessible for all. The Carers Action Plan is looking to do things differently, so carers are not coming back to say things haven’t changed.

A carer said in a focus group session that they want to be “Seen, heard and appreciated.” We don’t think this is too much to ask, and we want to say thank you to all of Camden’s carers for all you do.

Councillor Anna Wright

Camden Cabinet Member for Health