SCIE media releases 2008

Assess, understand and support - SCIE responds to National Carers’ Strategy

10 June 2008

The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has reiterated the importance of carers assessments in its response to the National Carers Strategy launched today.

Chair of SCIE, Allan Bowman, said: “The strategy should be commended for recognising that supporting carers is an issue for us all – not just social care and health.

“However, the outcomes will only be met if local authorities and other agencies put systems in place that prioritise the needs of carers. We hear that some carers are still not informed of their right to an assessment, despite it being a local authority duty outlined in the Carers Equal Opportunities Act (2004). We must support councils to share good practice, learn what works well, and adopt new innovative ways to provide carer support.”

SCIE is particularly concerned about groups of carers that are often ‘hidden’ such as young people with a parent who has mental health problems. Today SCIE will jointly host a conference on parental mental health that will look at supporting whole families.

Speaking about this group, Chief Executive of SCIE, Julie Jones, said: “Young people who have a caring responsibility for a parent with mental health problems are less likely to be identified by services and may be encouraged to hide their problems because of fear of stigma or social services intervention. They have poorer school attendance than their peers, are more likely to be bullied and often experience emotional difficulties through childhood and adulthood.

“It is therefore essential that services across for adults and children across social care, health and education are supported to recognise young carers, understand the complexities of their situation and assess their needs appropriately.”

SCIE is working with partners across sectors to produce holistic guidance on parental mental health.

Click here for more information on SCIE’s work on carers.

Media contacts

Annie Goss | Media and PR Manager | T: 020 7089 7117 | M: 07739 458 192 | Email: media@scie.org.uk

Notes

• Today’s ‘Keeping the Family in Mind’ conference is hosted by SCIE, Department for Health, Cabinet Office, Care Services Improvement Partnership, Social Exclusion Task Force, Mental Health Act Commission, and National Social Inclusion Programme.
• The conference includes presentations from young carers and Kevin Brennan MP.