At Caring Together we are actively working to ensure that the existing rights of carers are recognised and acted on, and to bring carers rights in line with the realities of carers needs.
We regularly hear from parent carers, young carers and other carer organisations across the country that young carers and parent carers aren’t getting the assessments they are entitled to. We want to see this change and so have shared this feedback with the House of Lords Select Committee on the Children and Families Act 2014 in response to their question of whether the act has improved the lives of young carers, parent carers and their families.
As part of the Young Carers Alliance we have submitted evidence highlighting issues including the existing rights young carers not always effectively being acted on, lack of resources and that many young carers are not identified.
We also submitted evidence about parent carers. This included that many parent carers slip through the net for support compared with other groups of carers, issues with carer assessments for parent carers and that many parent carers have not been identified as carers.
Andy McGowan, Caring Together head of engagement, said, “At Caring Together we are working hard to ensure that carers are given the information and support that they need.
“Fighting to ensure the rights of carers are recognised and acted upon remains a key priority. We are working, including as part of the Young Carers Alliance, to push for these changes to happen. We are glad the committee have asked for views on the effectiveness of the Children and Families Act 2014 in improving the lives of parent carers and their families. And it is important to take opportunities such as this to make clear how carers continue to face challenges that they wouldn’t if existing legislation was more effectively funded and acted on.”
You can read the evidence documents that have been submitted:
- Young Carers Alliance Evidence to House of Lords Select Committee on Children and Families Act [PDF, 162kB]
- Parent Carer Needs Assessments – House of Lord Select Committee Evidence [PDF, 173kB]
Having more opportunities to have your voice heard
If you want to make the most of opportunities to have your voice as a carer heard:
- Read more about our carer voice activities here
- Find out about the work of our carer council, and how you can join, here
- Stay up to date on the latest information with inside news by signing up at caringtogether.org/keepintouch
