Priority 3: We will support carers to reshape the services offered to them and we will work with partners to address any gaps or duplication in support provision.

What issue is this priority addressing?

Feedback from carers in Warrington obtained in January 2021 highlights that Warrington services (WIRED, the council, the Carers Trust etc) provide a good level of support to carers through information, advice, 1:1s and group sessions. However, some carers (and some professionals) have described not knowing which service provides what support for carers, and therefore not knowing who to approach for what.

Additionally, carers have also identified gaps in support. This includes supporting:

  • young carers with school;
  • adult working carers and carers seeking to gain paid work or access to learning;
  • carers with specific caring issues e.g. coping with aggression or managing bereavement;
  • carers with good quality financial advice, especially young carers who need more help with navigating benefits in their family; and
  • carers with self-sustaining means of support.

A coherent service model for carers needs to be agreed between all service providers and with carers, so that the maximum leverage and benefit can be obtained from the services currently on offer.

How will this priority be delivered?

  • Providers will collaborate and map the existing offer to carers from each service.
  • Providers will work with local stakeholders and ‘critical friends’ to develop a joint service model for supporting carers, addressing unnecessary duplication, plugging service gaps and addressing carer feedback with creative and meaningful solutions.
  • Providers will agree the new service model with stakeholders and develop and agree four joint carer pathways:
    • Young Carers
    • Young Adult Carers
    • Adult Carers
    • Parent Carers

What are the potential measures of success?

  • Year 3 improvement in the National Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework Indicators 3B (Carer Reported Satisfaction with Social Services) and 3D2 Indicator (Carer Reported Access to Information). Obtained from the annual carers survey.
  • Agreed service model developed and endorsed by stakeholders and the Board.
  • Carers pathways developed and endorsed by stakeholders and the Board.
31 January 2023