Carers' Action Plan
The Carers' Action Plan is based on carer engagement, local requirements, and using national information and data sets, focusing on three priority areas to better support carers in the City. The action plan is a working document, and we aim to continue to work with local carers and third sector organisations to shape the priorities and actions moving forward.
Download and print the Carers' Action Plan.
Who are carers?
Carers can be of anyone of any age, ethnicity, or background, with most of us likely to be affected by or have caring responsibilities at some stage in our lives. While this role can be immensely rewarding, it can also significantly impact the carer's life, affecting their own health, wellbeing, and opportunities.
Identifying carers
The role of a carer might not be immediately apparent, often perceived simply as assisting a loved one. This support can take various forms, such as practical tasks, personal care, emotional support, advocacy, or financial management. Though each carer's experience is unique, their contribution is invaluable, and the person they care for would struggle without their support.
Support for carers
If you are a carer, you may be entitled to a range of support and benefits to assist both you and the person you care for. This includes:
- Carer's Assessment: This is a way to discuss your needs as a carer, and the impact this may have on you, with a professional. This can be as a combined assessment with the person you look after, or a separate carers assessment.
- Carer's Allowance: You could be entitled to a weekly Carers Allowance benefit if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they receive certain benefits.
- Access to support specifically for carers, including respite or replacement care (allowing carers to take a break from the caring role or ensuring the individual receives care in event of an emergency), support groups, information and advice, training and other health and wellbeing support (for example, counselling or group support sessions).
- The individual you are supporting is also entitled to a social care assessment to understand their needs and possible support options.
- Further information on carers assessments, support and how to access this are available via the Council website. You can also complete a Carer’s Assessment for yourself on our website. Information is also available via the Carers Trust Heart of England, an organisation commissioned by the Council to deliver a range of support (including training, support, information and advice and planned and emergency breaks) to carers in Coventry, with no charge to the carer.
Key objectives
The Carers' Action Plan 2024-26 has been developed following analysis of the biennial Survey of Adult Carers in England 2021/22, a local ‘Let’s Talk’ Coventry Carers' Survey undertaken in 2023 and using national information and data sets.
The Carers' Action Plan 2024-26 therefore focuses on three priority areas to improve the services and support carers' experience:
- Empower carers with flexible respite options, ensuring they can take breaks
- Deliver the right support, at the right time, and in the right place
- Maximise the reach of carers' assessments to benefit more carers
Measuring impact
Our commitment to making a difference for carers requires continuous monitoring and evaluation. To ensure the Action Plan's effectiveness, we will:
- Review demand for support from both Coventry City Council and commissioned providers, addressing disparities in access among various communities.
- Engage in regular dialogue with carers, including via the Adult Social Care Stakeholder Reference Group and Dementia Hub Steering Group, seeking feedback on the plan's implementation and potential areas for improvement.
- We will monitor national surveys and data collections, providing valuable insights into the overall impact of our efforts.
Definitions:
- Adult Carer: ‘An adult who provides or intends to provide care for another adult (adult needing care)’ Section 10(3) Care Act 2014
- Parent Carer: ‘A person aged 18 or over who provides or intends to provide care for a disabled child for whom the person has parental responsibilities.’ S97 children and Families Act 2014
- Young Carer: ‘A person under 18 who provides or intends to provide care for another person of any age, except where that care is provided for payment, pursuant to a contract or as voluntary work.’ S96 Children and Families Act 2014
Advice and support
For carers seeking support or more information, we provide an online Carer's Assessment tool on the Coventry City Council website. Additional resources are available on our carers’ information pages. For specific support services, you can connect with the Carers Trust Heart of England, an organisation commissioned by the Council to provide assistance without any charge to the carer.
We encourage all carers and those who suspect they may be carers to take advantage of the resources and support available. Together, we can make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of carers in our community.