South Lanarkshire’s New Social Care Strategy Launched to Support Carers

South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board Approves New Strategy

South Lanarkshire has unveiled a new social care strategy dedicated to enhancing support for unpaid carers. This development was endorsed at a recent South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board (IJB) meeting, marking a significant commitment to the welfare of carers in the region.

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Collaborative Efforts to Shape the Strategy

The new strategy, co-designed by South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) officers, partner agencies, and carers themselves, aims to establish a robust framework for carer support. Lesley McDonald, Chair of the IJB, emphasized the importance of collaboration in crafting the strategy: “Having collaborated closely with carers to develop the strategy, we believe that this approach will make a real and sustainable difference to the lives of carers and, in turn, those they care for. All IJB members were delighted to support a strategy that’s based on real-life experience and exemplary partnership working.”

 

Building on Past Successes

This strategy builds on the foundations laid by the 2019-2022 plan, addressing the ongoing challenges faced by unpaid carers in South Lanarkshire. The new framework is designed to deliver enhanced support and services, recognising the vital role that unpaid carers play in the community.

 

Key Partnerships to Support Carers

To implement the strategy, South Lanarkshire University HSCP has commissioned Lanarkshire Carers for adult carers’ services and Action for Children for young carers’ services. Professor Sengupta, Chief Officer of the IJB, highlighted the continuous efforts to optimize planning and resource allocation: “We will continue to work together to strengthen our planning and investment and use our resources efficiently to provide support and services to carers. Supports range from respite, wellbeing, and counseling to training and representation, giving carers a voice. Every case and story of someone carrying out a caring role is different. Indeed, many people who are caring for a loved one or someone close to them do not identify themselves as a carer.”

 

Commitment to Unpaid Carers

Professor Sengupta reiterated the commitment to making the best use of available resources and promoting the advice and supports accessible to unpaid carers in South Lanarkshire. Linda Craig, the existing carer representative on the IJB, plays a crucial role in the Carers Partnership, advocating for carers as equal partners and ensuring integration authorities fulfill their statutory obligations.

Linda Craig shared her insights: “Having been a carer, I understand in these difficult times the impact the caring role can have on unpaid carers in South Lanarkshire. I now support carers to raise awareness in terms of the Carers Implementation Act 2016, and other matters that are of importance to them in their caring role. It’s vitally important that we continue to recognize the invaluable contribution unpaid carers make in our community. We will continue to build on this collaboration with health and social care colleagues, wider partners in the third sector, and carers to achieve positive outcomes for carers in South Lanarkshire.”

 

Conclusion

South Lanarkshire’s new social care strategy represents a significant step forward in supporting unpaid carers, acknowledging their essential contributions, and ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve. Through continued collaboration and dedicated resources, the strategy aims to improve the lives of carers and those they care for in South Lanarkshire.

 

 

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