How Carers Scotland makes a difference

Carers Scotland and Carers UK make a difference to carers' lives.  Over our relatively brief history we are justly proud of the significant improvements we have won for carers.

Rights for carers 

Unsung heroes, forgotten army. These terms are commonly used to describe carers.  They conjure up people wanting sympathy, whereas carers tell us they want rights and the same choices that other people enjoy. 

Carers Scotland and Carers UK have shifted the agenda to focus on winning carers rights and tackling the inequalities that many carers face.  We have been at the forefront of securing legal rights for carers -  most recently, in Scotland through the Community Care & Health (Scotland) Act 2002 which gives all carers of all ages the right to an independent carer's assessment and, for the first time, includes the NHS's crucial role in information carers of their rights.  We continue to work to influence key developments on a range of issues including breaks from caring, telecare to support caring, reducing poverty and the development of a new strategy for carers in Scotland,

Tackling poverty

Carers Scotland's Short Changed campaign revealed that many carers are struggling to make ends meet, with problems paying fuel bills and carrying out essential repairs to their home.  Many are unable to make provision for their retirement, storing up poverty in later life. The campaign resulted in:

• a rise in carer's benefits 
• improvements to pension provision for carers
• carers over the age of 65 being able to claim the main carer's benefit for the first time
• an increase in the earnings limit for carers in employment.

We continue to campaign for better financial support for carers through the benefit system and in, for example, initiatives to reduce fuel poverty.

Improving recognition for carers. 

Carers told us that they felt ignored and invisible when dealing with health services.  As a result of work by Carers Scotland and Carers UK, the new GP contract provides a financial incentive to identify and support carers.  New guidance issued to hospitals draws on our work on how carers should be involved in making decisions about the care of a patient when they are coming out of hospital. 

Choices about work and caring. 

Many carers are forced to give up work through caring.  Carers Scotland and Carers UK have been at the forefront of work around employment.  This has resulted in carers having rights to time off to deal with emergencies and a right to request to work flexibly.

Building a carers' movement. 

These achievements would not have been possible without the support of thousands of individual carers and organisations supporting carers.  Many have had their voices heard in the media, helping to keep carers' issues in the public eye and winning over hearts and minds. Many of our branches have been involved in calling for dedicated carers' organisations in their local area.  Now most areas have such organisations providing much needed information and practical help to thousands of carers.

The Future 

The work of Carers Scotland is far from over.  There is still enormous change required before carers are fully recognised and supported. See What needs to change.