Agenda item

City Carers to be heard.

The Committee noted the City Carers and City Connections presentation setting out the support provided to carers (around 60 active carers of a total of 80) by those organisations.

A Member took the opportunity to thank Cllr Anne Corbett and executive director, Community & Children’s Services Judith Finlay for their support.

A Member asked for clarification on carer-specific training, referrals, and welfare calls. The meeting heard that carer-specific training (online or in-person) will be delivered in late November 2023 on carers’ rights, that welfare calls were instigated at least weekly during lockdown, and that referrals are made through adult social care services though carers can also self-refer.

On caring for those experiencing dementia, a Member commented that constant care was required for such people and asked who paid for those services. The meeting heard that a care package would be provided where appropriate following a full assessment, with the charging policy set out in the Care Acts 2014.

The meeting noted that a carer strategy would be submitted to the CoLC Community & Children’s Services Committee in early November 2023. 

On the customer satisfaction survey figures, a Member asked what improvements needed to be made for those who were not satisfied (noting that the findings suggested that the service was good). The meeting heard that forum sessions had been held with carers where suggestions could be made for improvements, and that a more tailored approach might be worthwhile for the very small number of people who were not satisfied. 

A Member asked whether schools were informed and updated of young carer responsibilities. The meeting heard that all young carers were known to adult social care services who liaised with schools and with multi-agency young carer support services.