Information taken from: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/consultations-petitions-and-elections/consultations/carers-strategy-2022-2027/
Statistics show that 1 in 8 of us will become carers in our lifetime, often without planning. Suffolk had 77,745 family/unpaid carers identified in the 2011 census, while Suffolk Family Carers now predict there are 98,000.
Carers UK estimate that carers have saved the economy £193 billion during the pandemic. Carers could be giving up their time, money, education, careers and relationships to support those they care for and we know that this often impacts their own health too.
Suffolk’s previous Adult Carers Strategy is due for updating, and it has been decided this time to create an All Age Carers Strategy, to ensure that the needs of young carers were included.
This draft strategy has been co-produced with carers of all ages and includes the following five priorities.
- Early identification of carers
- Improved information and advice
- Young carers to have the same priority as adult carers
- Systems and services that work for carers
- Improved health and wellbeing for carers
You can download the draft All Age Carers Strategy here, and then visit Carers Strategy 2022-2027 | Suffolk County Council to complete one of two surveys to have your say.
If you are not a family/unpaid carer yourself, but know someone who is, please forward this message onto them and invite them to get involved.