Barbara Disney, Service Manager for Strategic Commissioning introduced the report stating the paper outlined the progress made against recommendations identified by the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee’s previous review meeting entitled “Unpaid Carers’ Scrutiny Challenge session” – May 2015.

She introduced Yvonne and Patrice, who gave Members of the sub-committee a personal and moving account of being a carer for a loved one. It provided members with an insight of what it’s like to be an unpaid carer and the challenges faced by them.

Points to note:

·         Being a carer is often easier than the battles a carer needs to fight on behalf of their loved ones with professionals. A battle plan is required.

·         Carers feel isolated and alone and their own mental health and wellbeing suffers under the strain of caring and fighting battles.

·         There is a lack of empathy from professionals and poor signposting to services available to help.  For example, GP’s do not inform unpaid carers about organisations like the Carers Centre.

·         Neil Hardy, Director of the Carers Centre added his organisation provided support and assistance to carers. He said the centre empowered carers to navigate a raft of agencies and form – filling; and provided carers with long term support.

Barbara Disney informed Members the 2011 census identified over 19,000 unpaid carers in Tower Hamlets, however many people were not forthcoming to identify themselves as carers or accessed the services provided.

She said the Council was developing its Carers Strategy with the support of carers and the Carers Centre and she hoped it would provide solutions to how the Council and its stakeholders could support carers better in the future. A carers’ dignity code and carers charter is being proposed, as well as a Carers Academy where people can get the help they need.

This was followed by questions and comments from Members, who stated:

·         Is information shared between government and council departments? For example, do we know the number of carers claiming Carers allowance?

·         Primary Care needs to improve in identifying carers as well as signposting them. The Over 40’s healthcheck does ask this question but those under 40 may not be easily identified. GP’s need to ask the question. 

·         The Chair recommended Kirklees Council as an example of good practice regarding primary care and the identification of carers.

·         The Carers Dignity Code and Charter needs to be linked with the Bart’s Compassionate Care agenda.

·         Do schools provide data regarding the identification of young carers? Response: A whole raft of work is required and the Carers Strategy will include Young People and their transition to Adult Services.  

·         What feedback does the Carers Centre undertake regarding its service and the support provided by professionals? Response: An Annual survey of our members is conducted and we ask for feedback and comments about our service. The Carers Strategy will include how we meet unmet need.

·         Do carers have access to mental health services when in their caring role?

·         The Carers Strategy needs to ensure issues around lack of empathy, co-ordination and signposting are included in the strategy and the supporting action plan delivers on the expectations set out in the strategy.

·         The Carers Strategy ought to return to the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee in order for Members to have an input.

·         Society undervalues caring but individuals build up an incredible amount of knowledge. How do we link their experience and skills with workforce challenges faced by the health service?

The Chair thanked everyone for their input.

The Sub-Committee NOTED the progress made with regards to the recommendations and the action-plan and looked forward to receiving the Carers Strategy once it was complete.