Are you a carer?

How we support unpaid carers in South Lanarkshire

We recognise the vital role unpaid carers play and see carers as equal partners in care.

Carers have the right to be involved in decisions that affect them and the person they care for. Every caring role is different, but all carers should have the same rights, choices and access to information and support, and be involved as much as they choose.

Our approach is about listening to carers and working together to achieve better outcomes for everyone.

Working together as equal partners

Carers, the people they care for, and professionals work together to plan and deliver care.

Being an equal partner in care means that carers are:

• recognised and respected for their role
• listened to and involved in decision‑making
• supported to have choices and control

Across South Lanarkshire, carers are involved through partnership working that brings together services, organisations and carers themselves.

A Carer Representative sits on the Integrated Joint Board, helping to make sure carers’ views are heard and that carers’ rights are reflected in local decision‑making.

Our carers strategy

Our Carers Strategy 2023 to 2026 sets out how we support unpaid carers and what matters most to them.

The strategy focuses on four priorities, shaped by what carers have told us:

• carers are identified, involved and valued
• carers have choice and control, so they can balance caring with their own lives
• carers can access the right support at the right time
• carers have a positive experience of being a carer

Short breaks for carers

Our Short Breaks Services Statement explains what breaks are available locally and nationally to help carers take time away from caring.

The statement is informed by carers’ views and will continue to be reviewed, with further engagement as needed, to make sure it reflects carers’ experiences and priorities.