
Caring Together Scotland's Carers and Young Carers Strategy recognises carers for the first time as 'Equal Partners in Care' and provides a commitment to develop a Carers Rights Charter.
In light of this and the new Equality Act, the Coalition is keen to explore the idea of how 'equal' carers currently are, where they face discrimination in their lives and how we can begin to plan for a more 'equal' future.
We are asking carers to participate in a national survey, over the period from June 2011 to June 2012. The intention of the survey is to record instances where carers face inequality or discrimination, either in the workplace, in their local communities, or in accessing services.
We are interested in hearing about experiences of carers from across Scotland, regardless of their age, background or who they look after.
We have designed a form to enable you to capture all the essential details. We will analyse returned forms and publish our findings. This will be used to build a case for working towards a future where carers are 'equal partners in care'
For an online version of the survey. Follow this link
If you are a carer and wish to download a paper copy of the survey. Follow this link
If you work for an organisation and wish to download a paper copy of the survey. Follow this link
For a copy of the guidance, with further details about examples of equality and discrimination. Follow this link
For a flier advertising the survey. Follow this link
In October 2010 the National Carer Organisations launched Scotland's Carers Manifesto outlining clear demands for the Scottish elections in May 2011 and pressing political parties to commit to support carers.
The Manifesto outlines the need to introduce the same rights and opportunities for carers as other citizens:
Scotland's carers must have a right to:
- Support to assist them in their caring role
- A regular break
- Alife outside caring
Scotland's young carers must have the right to:
- Be children and young people first
- Have the same opportunities and life chances as their peers
- Reach their full potential
Carers and campaigners across Scotland delivered their message to political parties and candidates, by arranging meetings with local candidates, holding hustings events, distributing the manifesto and lobbying key politicians, party leaders and activists. As a result all of the political parties included commitments to carers in their party manifestos.
Now that the new government is in power we will be working closely with them, along with their colleagues in opposition, to ensure these commitements are translated into actions.
To download a copy of the manifesto. Follow this link
To download information on what each of the political parties said about carers in their manifestos. Follow this link.
Last year over 1,000 local groups ran events across the country, including protest marches, information stalls, conferences, advice fayres and carer support coffee mornings. Big or small, these events and the support and information they provide, make a real difference to carers.
The first ever Carer Poverty Protest March organised by carers took place on the 22nd April. The protest highlighted the rising cost of living and the impact this has on carers, along with the inadequate benefit system and the need for reform. Carers marched from Edinburgh Castle to the Scottish Parliament, where a rally was held, attended by several members of the Scottish Parliament.
- Visit the official Website.
- View a short film of the march on YouTube.
- View photographs from the day.
In January 2009, Scotland's National Carer Organisations launched a campaign to seek to persuade every local authority and local NHS Board to make carers a priority, by strengthening their efforts to support Scotland's estimated 700,000 carers with the recognition, support and services they deserve. We have developed a set of outcomes for carers for local authorities to include in their planning documents, including their Single Outcome Agreements. We have also raised awareness through the national and local press and have received coverage in the Herald, The Scotsman and many local papers.