Mark Whitehead 02 August 2019

New guidance to help councils support unpaid carers

Health experts have issued guidance on how council staff and other professionals can help support unpaid carers.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says this must first involve identifying people who are unpaid carers so that they can be directed to available sources of financial, social and emotional support.

The guidelines advise practitioners to encourage carers to discuss supportive working arrangements with their employers which might include flexible hours or providing a private space to take personal phone calls.

They say workplaces should offer to support mental wellbeing for carers in line with the NICE's guidelines.

They also call on health and social care commissioners to ensure replacement care services are available locally so carers can stay in, enter or return to work, education or training.

Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive and director of health and social care at NICE, said: 'Many carers are not aware of the help available to them, therefore it’s important that health and social care practitioners are at the forefront of identifying and supporting them.

'Caring for a loved one can bring a whole host of responsibilities and worries.

'This guidance hopes to address those concerns and ensure that carers feel supported enough to provide the best possible care for those they look after.'

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Democratic Services Manager

West Northamptonshire Council
£49587 - £52860
West Northamptonshire Council are looking for an experienced and dynamic democratic services professional to manage our Democratic Services team. Working alongside the Head of Democratic and Electoral Services, you will lead a dedicated and friendly team, One Angel Square 4 Angel Street Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Learning Support Co-ordinator

Wakefield Council
£27,711 to £30,559, Grade 6.
We are seeking to appoint an Additional Learning Support Co-Ordinator Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Prestige Gardener

Wakefield Council
£27,711 - £30,559
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Prestige Gardener Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Freedom to Speak Up Guardian

Wakefield Council
£45,718.00 to £48,710.00, Grade 11
Are you passionate about creating a culture where everyone feels safe to speak up? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner