Carers
Carers
Definition
A carer is someone who provides unpaid help and support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, who could not manage without their help. This could be due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability.
Policies and legislation
- Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 – This Act provides for the assessment of carers’ needs; to provide for services to help carers; and for the making of payments to carers and disabled children aged 16 or 17 in lieu of the provision of services to them and for connected purposes.
- Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 – This Act gives carers new rights to information. It ensures that work, lifelong learning and leisure are considered when a carer is assessed. It also gives local authorities new powers to gain the help of housing, health, education and others in providing support to carers.
- Carers (Recognition & Services) Act 1995 – This Act is the first piece of legislation which recognises the role of informal carers and provides for the assessment of the ability of people to provide care.
- Work and Families Act 2006 – This Act, which came into force in October 2006, makes provision for improved maternity and adoption leave for women. It also extends the right to request flexible working for carers.
Good practice examples
- North Lanarkshire Council – Are you caring for someone?
- North Lanarkshire Council – Strategy for Carers 2009-2012
Useful links
- Carers UK – the voice of carers
- Carers Direct: information, advice and support for carers – NHS website
- North Lanarkshire Carers Together
- Princess Royal Trust Hamilton Carers Centre
Association of Social Care Communicators 