All-Age Carers Strategy and Programme
On this page
- Lead Organisation
London Borough of Waltham Forest
- Project contact
Saddique Ahmed
The London Borough of Waltham Forest has refreshed its All-Age Carers Strategy in 2023, and has adopted a 3 year pro-active strategy that will drive and deliver positive outcomes for unpaid carers of all ages in Waltham Forest. This includes young carers, parent carers, adult carers, and a universal offer of personalised information, advice and guidance.
Unpaid carers of all ages were consulted in 2022, and as part of the consultation unpaid carers have asked for the council to focus on the following 5 priority areas; (1) access to information, (2) increased opportunities, (3) understanding carers rights and needs, (4) support for the cared-for and (5) develop professional practice.
Based on the above 5 priorities, the council has worked closely with it’s key stakeholders to set commitments in the form of actions for the duration of this strategy. The key stakeholders for this strategy include; Adult Social Care, Children’s Social Care, Early Help Delivery, Special Educational Needs and Delivery, Commissioning Service, Public Health and Carers First who provide personalised information advice and guidance.
In addition, to ensure the council and its stakeholders are working towards evidenced-based practice and delivery, it has adopted NICE QS200 Standard, developed a local reporting framework and tools that will enable the council to demonstrate that it is working towards the NICE QS200.
The reporting framework incorporates oversight from senior managers, leaders and cabinet leads to ensure there is full accountability and support for the priorities and projects that are being delivered.
- Partners
Adult Social Care, Children Social Care, Early Help Delivery, SEND, Public Health, Commissioning and Carers First
- Project duration
April 2023 – March 2026
- Key beneficiaries
Adult Carers, Young Carers, Parent Carers (All Unpaid Carers)
All-Age Carers Strategy and Programme
Why we started this initiative
The council recognises and values the contribution of unpaid carers in Waltham Forest.
Building on the previous strategy (2019 – 2022), the council is committed to supporting unpaid carers of all ages. We have a dedicated senior manager to continue developing, driving and enhancing the support offer for unpaid carers in Waltham Forest. We are committed to improving early identification and sign posting to help ensure that unpaid carers can access the support they need, and entitled to.
Our goals
The main objectives of the strategy is to ensure the council, its stakeholders and partners have a clear sense of direction for supporting unpaid carers across Waltham Forest, and how the council aims to deliver it’s objectives.
The strategy also articulates how the 3 key elements of the strategy (1) five priorities, (2) stakeholder commitments (actions) and (3) NICE QS200/ reporting framework are incorporated locally to ensure that we have a co-designed model of delivery, with clear accountability on the commitments.
How we’re implementing it
There are a number of key stakeholders who have responsibilities to support core groups of unpaid carers. These named stakeholders have set clear commitments (actions) to deliver over the next 3 years.
Stakeholders and partners have named managers who are responsible for coordinating and delivering their commitments. They also need to provide quarterly updates to the council’s strategic lead, who then collates it and is required to report progress to senior managers/ cabinet leads/ scrutiny committees.
Updates and evidence provided by stakeholders are also used towards the NICE QS200.
1) Senior management, leaders and elected member buy-in. Once senior managers, leaders and elected members have been convinced/ have confidence in your approach, doors will open up.
2) Collaborate with colleagues, managers and senior leaders across the organisation at all levels. Not just with operational managers, but those in communication, commissioning, strategy, transformation and be pro-active.
3) Be patient but persistent. Whilst the needs of unpaid carers are vital and important, councils have numerous priorities, pressures and challenges they are facing.
4) Co-delivery. Ensure that unpaid carers are key to shaping, influencing and designing projects, priorities and workstreams. This should also include managers and practitioners at an operational level.
5) Stay ahead of the game. Always stay on the lookout for updates, changes and developments in legislation, policy and practice. This will ensure that you and your council are meeting statutory obligations and upholding the statutory rights of unpaid carers.
We have just received some of our Survey for Adult Carers in England (SACE) 2023 – 2024 Results;
· 34% of carers who received support in the past 12 months, said they were very or extremely satisfied. This is an increase from 19.9% in 21/22.
· 3.1% said that they were extremely or very dissatisfied. This is down from 16.3% in 21/22.
· 57.5% of carers reported that in last 12 months, their caring role had caused them feelings of stress. This is down from 61.8% in 21/22.
· 32.9% of carers felt they have as much social control as they want with people they like. This is up from 24.5% in 21/22.