Thousands of unpaid carers in North Yorkshire are being asked to share their experiences to help shape a new countywide support strategy.
Support for unpaid carers will undergo a major review as a new countywide strategy takes shape to improve assistance for those looking after loved ones.
An estimated 54,000 people provide vital care for family members, friends, and neighbours across North Yorkshire. These individuals range from young people to residents in their nineties, stepping in to help those close to them live independently within their own homes and communities.
However, taking on caring responsibilities can take a significant toll on an individual's health, wellbeing, finances, and future opportunities.
Officials note that many people do not even recognise themselves as carers, which means they frequently miss out on the vital support that is available to them.
A new all-age framework, titled the "caring for all" strategy, is now being proposed to ensure those who look after others feel recognised, valued, and supported. If formally adopted, the new approach will replace the existing Caring for Carers plan.
The draft strategy sets out a clear ambition to listen to unpaid carers and focuses on four key priorities. These include providing collaborative and accessible support, and actively helping carers to stay healthy and well.
The plan also prioritises improving the identification of carers and the recognition of their roles, alongside delivering evidence-based, personalised support that is tailored to individual needs.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, Councillor Michael Harrison, said:
“We aim to ensure that North Yorkshire is a county where carers of all ages and backgrounds are recognised, heard and supported to live well.
Whether you are currently caring for someone, have cared in the past, work with carers or simply want to help shape support in North Yorkshire, we want to hear from you.
Your feedback will help us develop a strategy that reflects the realities of caring and ensures the right support is available for those who dedicate so much of their time to helping others.”
The draft plan has been developed following extensive conversations with carers regarding their daily experiences and the unique challenges they face.
The chief executive officer of Carers’ Resource, Heidi Watson, said:
“Carers’ Resource has worked closely with North Yorkshire Council and other partners to prepare this draft strategy using the experience and knowledge gained by supporting unpaid carers in Harrogate, Craven and Selby for 30 years.
We hope we have captured everything which you wanted us to, but as unpaid carers, you are the experts and this is your chance to make sure we include what is important to you if we haven’t already, so we do hope you will take part in this consultation.”
Residents are being asked to share their views on the proposals during a public consultation period running from today, August 3, until Sunday, September 27.
The survey is available to complete on the North Yorkshire Council website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/carers-strategy
Alternatively, paper copies of the survey can be requested by calling 0300 131 2131 and saying the word 'carers' when prompted.
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