The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 came into force on 1 April 2018. It recognises the vital role of unpaid carers and puts duties on local authorities and health boards to support them. Under the Act:
- every adult carer has the right to an Adult Carer Support Plan, and every young carer to a Young Carer Statement, setting out their needs and the support to meet them
- the local authority must provide support to carers who meet the local eligibility criteria, and must publish a short breaks services statement describing the breaks available
- carers must be involved in decisions about the person they care for, including when that person is being discharged from hospital
- local authorities must provide information and advice services for carers
The Scottish Government's Carers' Charter summarises these rights in plain language. In Fife the duties are carried out by Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, working with the carer support organisations. If you think you are not getting the support the Act entitles you to, a carer support worker can help you raise it.
Get in touch
Our team can point you to the right person if you are not sure who to ask.
E-mail [email protected]
Telephone 0800 389 6046
