The Carers Strategy

People who provide unpaid care are supported to look after their own health and wellbeing, including to reduce any negative impact of their caring role on their own health and wellbeing 

–  The Scottish Government

The Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP), City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian recognise the crucial contribution young and adult carers make to their communities across Edinburgh. A range of good quality support for all carers needs to be available at the right time and place.

Carers who are supported to carry out their role in a way that supports their own health and wellbeing are key to achieving the EHSCP’s vision to deliver together “a caring, healthier and safer Edinburgh” and Communities and Families vision for all children and young people in Edinburgh to enjoy their childhood and fulfil their potential.

This strategy has been informed by national and local context and outlines, local priorities and associated areas for improvement, outcomes for carers as well as details of the activities needed to achieve them. The strategy will support the EHSCP and Communities and Families to demonstrate impact on Outcome 6 of the National Health and Wellbeing Outcomes;

The strategy continues to focus on six priority areas:

  • Identifying carers
  • Information and Advice
  • Carer health and wellbeing
  • Short Breaks
  • Young carers
  • Personalising support for carers.

It also incorporates the new duties placed on the EHSCP, Local Authority and NHS Lothian by the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016. The strategy has been developed in partnership with the third sector and unpaid carers across Edinburgh and builds on learning from the 2014-2017 Edinburgh Joint Carer Strategy (EJCS), and associated review.

Report and evaluation relating to Year 1 of contracted provisions, supporting our Edinburgh Joint Carers Strategy.

Our year 1 evaluation was presented to the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership Executive Management Team in March 2022 and to our Performance and Development Committee that same month. The report is published and available to download.