Understanding the Action Plan
Every step of the Carers Action Plan has been coproduced with unpaid carers from our diverse communities. This reflects the voice of carers, their experiences and knowledge. It has taken a long time to get to this point. It was felt important to not only show the actions in this plan, but to describe how the plan developed. To learn how, and with who, the action plan was developed, go to our Carers in Camden page.
This extensive co-production process, rooted in discussing what is important to carers, led to the identification of key themes. These themes have been developed into five key principles underpinning support for carers, and also priority areas for action. Direct quotations from carers are included throughout the action plan. This action plan will change as we move forwards together to deliver carers’ priorities in Camden.
The first part of the plan outlines the Principles of Supporting Carers. These are fundamental and should underpin everything we do. It is thought that these will not change.
The principles are:
- Identifying as a carer is an essential step to accessing support
- Caring is intrinsically connected to a relationship
- A carer is an individual person with their own needs and context
- Caring responsibilities require time and energy
- Connected services are vital to carers
The second part of the plan highlights the Priority Areas for Action carers have said should be our focus. As more information emerges, and work continues involving carers in the delivery of the plan, these priority areas will be updated to reflect the views and experiences of as many carers as possible.
The priorities are:
- Communication: Enhancing communication between carers and services.
- Information and Advice: Providing accessible and relevant information and advice to carers.
- Mental Health Support: Ensuring carers have access to mental health resources.
- Carer Conversations (Assessments): Improving the quality and accessibility of carer assessments.
- Emergency/Future Planning: Supporting carers in planning for emergencies and the future.
- Health and Hospital Discharge: Improving the discharge process from hospitals to ensure carers are supported.
- Young Adult Carers (YAC) Support: Addressing the unique needs of young adult carers.
- Carers Breaks: Facilitating breaks and respite for carers.
- Accessibility: Ensuring all services and support are accessible to all carers.
- Financial and Legal Support: Providing financial and legal advice and support.
- Employment, Education, and Training: Supporting carers in balancing their roles with employment, education, and training opportunities.
Finally, The Action Tracker will detail the steps to achieve each area for action. This will evolve as we work with carers, health, social care, and community organisations to find effective solutions. Once the possible ways forward have been mapped, timelines for delivery will be assigned to each of the actions. The tracker also has a section for progress that has been made against each priority.