Coventry Carers' Action Plan 2024-2026 - Print version

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Carers' Action Plan

The Carers' Action Plan is based on carer engagement, local requirements, and using national information and data sets, focusing on three priority areas to better support carers in the City. The action plan is a working document, and we aim to continue to work with local carers and third sector organisations to shape the priorities and actions moving forward.

Download and print the Carers' Action Plan [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7662/carers-action-plan].

Who are carers?

Carers can be of anyone of any age, ethnicity, or background, with most of us likely to be affected by or have caring responsibilities at some stage in our lives. While this role can be immensely rewarding, it can also significantly impact the carer's life, affecting their own health, wellbeing, and opportunities.

Identifying carers

The role of a carer might not be immediately apparent, often perceived simply as assisting a loved one. This support can take various forms, such as practical tasks, personal care, emotional support, advocacy, or financial management. Though each carer's experience is unique, their contribution is invaluable, and the person they care for would struggle without their support.

Support for carers

If you are a carer, you may be entitled to a range of support and benefits to assist both you and the person you care for. This includes:

  •  Carer's Assessment: This is a way to discuss your needs as a carer, and the impact this may have on you, with a professional. This can be as a combined assessment with the person you look after, or a separate carers assessment.
  •  Carer's Allowance: You could be entitled to a weekly Carers Allowance benefit if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they receive certain benefits. 
  •  Access to support specifically for carers, including respite or replacement care (allowing carers to take a break from the caring role or ensuring the individual receives care in event of an emergency), support groups, information and advice, training and other health and wellbeing support (for example, counselling or group support sessions).
  •  The individual you are supporting is also entitled to a social care assessment to understand their needs and possible support options.
  • Further information on carers assessments, support and how to access this are available via the Council website. You can also complete a Carer’s Assessment for yourself on our website. Information is also available via the Carers Trust Heart of England, an organisation commissioned by the Council to deliver a range of support (including training, support, information and advice and planned and emergency breaks) to carers in Coventry, with no charge to the carer.

Key objectives

The Carers' Action Plan 2024-26 has been developed following analysis of the biennial Survey of Adult Carers in England 2021/22, a local ‘Let’s Talk’ Coventry Carers' Survey undertaken in 2023 and using national information and data sets. 

The Carers' Action Plan 2024-26 therefore focuses on three priority areas to improve the services and support carers' experience:

  1. Empower carers with flexible respite options, ensuring they can take breaks
  2. Deliver the right support, at the right time, and in the right place
  3. Maximise the reach of carers' assessments to benefit more carers

Measuring impact

Our commitment to making a difference for carers requires continuous monitoring and evaluation. To ensure the Action Plan's effectiveness, we will:

  1. Review demand for support from both Coventry City Council and commissioned providers, addressing disparities in access among various communities.
  2. Engage in regular dialogue with carers, including via the Adult Social Care Stakeholder Reference Group and Dementia Hub Steering Group, seeking feedback on the plan's implementation and potential areas for improvement.
  3. We will monitor national surveys and data collections, providing valuable insights into the overall impact of our efforts.

Definitions:

  • Adult Carer: ‘An adult who provides or intends to provide care for another adult (adult needing care)’ Section 10(3) Care Act 2014
  • Parent Carer: ‘A person aged 18 or over who provides or intends to provide care for a disabled child for whom the person has parental responsibilities.’ S97 children and Families Act 2014
  • Young Carer: ‘A person under 18 who provides or intends to provide care for another person of any age, except where that care is provided for payment, pursuant to a contract or as voluntary work.’ S96 Children and Families Act 2014

Advice and support

For carers seeking support or more information, we provide an online Carer's Assessment tool [http://cid.coventry.gov.uk/kb5/coventry/directory/adult_social_care.page] on the Coventry City Council website. Additional resources are available on our carers’ information pages [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/carers-support]. For specific support services, you can connect with the Carers Trust Heart of England, an organisation commissioned by the Council to provide assistance without any charge to the carer.

We encourage all carers and those who suspect they may be carers to take advantage of the resources and support available. Together, we can make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of carers in our community.

Priority 1: Empower carers with flexible respite options, ensuring they can take breaks

Carer Outcome: I have access to a flexible break options to enable me to have a break from caring when needed.

1.1 We will: Commission a range of respite and break provision, develop a ‘community alternative’ support model to empower carers with flexible respite options, co-designed with carers, ensuring they can take breaks, increase social contact and reduce the risk of isolation.

Year 1
Priority Year One: Year One Actions (January -December 2024)
High Work with third sector organisations and community groups to explore the potential for 'community alternative' support models or community delivered carers breaks.
  Investigate alternative offers or routes to accessing breaks, e.g. charities, grants and alternative holidays.
  Increase awareness of informal networks and social contact opportunities for carers.

Year 2
Priority Year Two: Year Two Actions (January -December 2025)
High Review and map current respite provision, usage, gaps, barriers, and demand.
High Scope and confirm commissioning arrangements for respite and carer breaks (market research and best practice, scope and confirm requirements). Decisions and designs to be co-produced with carers.
High

Commence commissioning activity to commission a range of break and respite services, co-produced with carers. To include:

  • Planned, contingency and emergency breaks
  • Short, medium and long term options
High

Review success of community alternative / community delivered carers' breaks and scale up where successful.

1.2 We will: Improve information on respite and promote carers' breaks to support carer wellbeing and prevent carer breakdown. 

Year 1
Priority Year One: Year One Actions (January -December 2024)
Medium Refresh Coventry City Council website on respite and break information, including information on costs, entitlement, options, purpose and how to access.
Medium Develop respite / carer break FAQ document, including information on the use of direct payments to access respite and replacement care.
Medium Promotion of respite / break information with under-served communities (e.g. pop ups / information circulated in temples, community centres etc.) working with community leaders to improve awareness.
Medium Review process for administering carers' direct payments and literature to support positive conversations around direct payments by practitioners.

Year 2
Priority Year Two: Year Two Actions (January -December 2025)
Medium Information on respite and break options available on the Coventry City Council website and Coventry Information Directory.
Medium Promotion of respite and break services at Adult Social Care open days and in Carers Bulletin.
Medium Practitioner refresher training to inform of respite / break provision and ensure these are considered when assessments are undertaken.

1.3 We will: Review options for assistive technology to enable carers to have time away from caring role and increase opportunities for socialising.

Year 1
Priority Year One: Year One Actions (January -December 2024)
Medium Utilise existing technology and resources to support carers.

Year 2
Priority Year Two: Year Two Actions (January -December 2025)
High Review options for assistive technology to enable carers to have time away from their caring role, including understanding of best practice and the offer of / methods of commissioning assistive technology by other local authorities.
High Engagement activity with carers as to whether any of the assistive technology options identified are of interest or benefit, and gauge demand.
High Explore approach to and commence commissioning of assistive technology, dependent on outcome of engagement and market research.
High Work with carers to ensure confidence in use of technology (training, information, access to equipment etc).

Related data / engagement source (ASCOF, Survey of Adult Carers in England, Let's Talk Carers Survey, National Carers Action Plan)

  • ASCOF indicator: 1C2B, Proportion of carers receiving direct payments for support direct to carer
  • ASCOF indicator 1D: Carer-reported quality of life
  • ASCOF indicator: 1I2, Proportion of carers who reported that they had as much social contact as they would like
  • ASCOF indicator: 3B, Overall satisfaction of carers with social services
  • Survey of Adult Carers: Percentage of carers who feel they never have enough time to carry out their carer responsibilities
  • Survey of Adult Carers: Percentage of carers who feel they have no control over their daily life
  • National Action Plan: Services and systems that work for carers
  • Local 'Let's Talk' Survey: Lack of consistent or suitable breaks
  • National Action Plan: Recognising and supporting carers in the wider community
  • National Action Plan: Building research and evidence to improve outcomes for carers

Priority 2: Deliver the right support, at the right time, and in the right place.

Carer Outcome: I have flexible support options at the right time and right place to support me as a carer to maintain my health and wellbeing

2.1:  We will: Improve information and resources available to carers to help them make informed decisions to support them in their caring role and their own wellbeing.

Year 1
Priority Year One:  Year One Actions (January -December 2024)
Medium

Coventry City Council to work in conjunction with Carers Trust and third sector organisations to update Council website to centralise information and identify support options available for carers - information to be easy to navigate, clear, and specific to audience (e.g. adapted for young carers, translated and culturally sensitive).
Medium Coventry City Council and Carers Trust to work with communities, specifically under-served communities, and community leaders to promote information and advice services into communities and everyday messaging to reach hidden carers and reduce barriers to identifying as a carer or accessing support.
Medium Work with GPs, pharmacists and health professionals to raise awareness of how to identify and support carers, knowledge of carers support services and referral mechanisms to Carers Trust and other support services.
Medium Work with schools and colleges to identify young carers and promote young carers support options, advice and assessments.
Medium Increased visibility and presence of Carers Trust and carers support / information services in communities e.g. GP's, pharmacy, food hubs, libraries, community centres, gyms, supermarkets, ASC open days etc. 
Medium Work with the Integrated Care Board on Compassionate Communities project to improve carers' experience across the health and social care system.

Year 2
Priority Year Two: Year Two Actions (January -December 2025)
Medium Coventry City Council to work with Carers Trust to develop a carer mental health and resilience toolkit.
Medium Coventry City Council to work with Carers Trust to develop carer self support pack.
Medium Improve awareness and uptake of carers' direct payments through clear information sharing and promotion at assessment, open days and literature.
Medium Increase use of social media promotion and information sharing to target different age groups, as appropriate, including use of promotion by prominent local public figures and campaigns.

2.2 We will: Ensure carers have access to practical support by way of peer support groups, telephone or face to face support and community networks to increase opportunities for socialising and reduce the risk of isolation.

Year 1
Priority Year One:  Year One Actions (January -December 2024)
Medium Promote training and understand gaps in training needs through consultation with young and adult carers   e.g. condition-specific training such as dementia, autism, mental health, resilience, bereavement
Medium Develop a range of meaningful support groups available to carers, including activity-based sessions, informal sessions and friendship-building.

Year 2
Priority Year Two: Year Two Actions (January -December 2025)
Medium In person / online 'induction style' training to assist carers in caring role (informed from yr. 1 engagement).
Medium Develop a carers resource guide for professionals to summarise support options available.

2.3 We will: Provide additional support in respect of the cost of living, benefits advice and getting back into work or education, to support carers with managing finances.

Year 1
Priority Year One:  Year One Actions (January -December 2024)
Medium Coventry City Council to engage with all unpaid carers identified via the Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) to inform of available support services, carers assessments, benefits entitlement, respite and break options and support available via the Carers Trust.
Medium Ensuring carers are aware of their legal rights through clear communications, a strong community presence and working with local businesses and employers.

Year 2
Priority Year Two: Year Two Actions (January -December 2025)
Medium Create a cost of living support pack in conjunction with third sector organisations.
Medium Work with third sector organisations to support people into voluntary or paid work.

2.4 We will: ensure a range of support is available to promote carers' overall wellbeing and safety.

Year 1
Priority Year One:  Year One Actions (January -December 2024)
High Re-commission a range of carers' support services co-designed with carers
High Work towards a Go CV+ discount for carers (including young carers) to allow a flexible membership to be utilised when time is available.
High Engage with carers, carers support organisations, housing, community safety team and the police to understand reasons why carers do not feel 'safe' and potential actions we can take to address and improve this.

Year 2
Priority Year Two: Year Two Actions (January -December 2025)
Medium Work in partnership with Carers Trust and with local businesses to develop ‘carer friendly offers’ in the city.
Medium Further year two actions dependent on year one engagement.

Related data / engagement source (ASCOF, Survey of Adult Carers in England, Let's Talk Carers Survey, National Carers Action Plan)

  • ASCOF indicator 1D: Carer-reported quality of life
  • ASCOF indicator: 3B, Overall satisfaction of carers with social services
  • ASCOF indicator: 3D2, Proportion of carers who find it easy to find information about services
  • Survey of Adult Carers: Percentage of carers who feel they are neglecting themselves
  • Survey of Adult Carers: Proportion of carers who are 'extremely worried' about their personal safety
  • Survey of Adult Carers: Percentage of carers who have safety concerns
  • Survey of Adult Carers: Percentage of carers who feel they receive no encouragement or support in their caring role
  • Local 'Let's Talk' Survey: Poorer experiences of social care and healthcare provision, particularly hospital discharge and access to Primary Care. This included confusion on roles and responsibilities of health and social organisations.
  • Local 'Let's Talk' Survey: The psychological impact of COVID lockdowns and feelings of abandonment during this time. Caring responsibilities increased or intensified; many carers reported caring until breaking point.
  • Local 'Let's Talk' Survey: Continued anxiety around infection risks from COVID.
  • Local 'Let's Talk' Survey: Economic challenges are a significant concern, with some carers depleting savings and struggling to afford essentials like food and heating.
  • National Action Plan: Employment and financial wellbeing.
  • National Action Plan: Recognising and supporting carers in the wider community.
  • National Action Plan: Supporting young carers.

Priority 3: Maximise the reach of carers assessments to benefit more carers.

Carer Outcome: I am aware of my right to a carer's assessment, have access to a choice of a joint or separate assessment, and that this leads to a meaningful outcome(s) to support my caring role.

3.1 We will: Improve carers' awareness of carers' assessments, the benefits of an assessment, and its intended outcomes to ensure carers have access to all support options available.

Year 1
Priority Year One: Year One Actions (January -December 2024)
Medium Review and refresh Coventry City Council information on carers assessments available on both the Council and Carers Trust website to include what this is, the benefit of having an assessment and how to access (e.g. online assessment, Carers Trust, joint assessment etc.).
Medium Commence re-commissioning activity for delegated carers' assessments.
Medium Increase the number of carers assessments completed.
Medium Complete carers assessment refresher training for practitioners.
Medium Promotion of carers assessments via Carers Bulletin, Carers Trust, partner organisations, Adult Social Care Open Days and in particular with under-served communities.
Medium Carers Trust to have a visible presence, promoting carers support and assessments in areas of high carer population in the city (GPs, pharmacies, food banks, libraries, community assets).

Year 2
Priority Year Two: Year Two Actions (January -December 2025)
Medium Work with advocacy organisations to affirm an advocacy offer for carers and raise awareness.

3.2 We will: Improve access to carers assessments, including clear referral routes and pathways by other organisations, to reduce barriers in accessing support.

Year 1
Priority Year One: Year One Actions (January -December 2024)
Medium Develop process map for referral routes to assessment and for carers assessment process (for use by individuals and professionals).
Medium Work with Integrated Care Board / health professionals and Adult Social Care practitioners to ensure carers are involved in decisions and kept informed through hospital admissions and discharge.

Year 2
Priority Year Two: Year Two Actions (January -December 2025)
Medium Understand any barriers to referrals from GP / healthcare professionals and review potential to streamline referral process, if required.
Medium Inform providers of adult social care of how to identify and support carers, and how to refer for assessment

3.3 We will: Ensure carers' assessments lead to positive, meaningful outcomes for carers

Year 1
Priority Year One: Year One Actions (January -December 2024)
Medium Outcomes of carers assessments are tracked on a quarterly basis to ensure assessments are resulting in meaningful actions and support for carers.
Medium Ensure practitioners are equipped and aware of support options for carers.
Medium Quarterly dip sampling of carers assessments for quality assurance purposes.

Year 2
Priority Year Two: Year Two Actions (January -December 2025)
Medium Review potential for a carer / expert by experience led audit process to ensure assessments are resulting in better outcomes for carers.

Related data / engagement source (ASCOF, Survey of Adult Carers in England, Let's Talk Carers Survey, National Carers Action Plan)

  • ASCOF indicator: 1C1B, proportion of carers receiving self-directed support.
  • ASCOF indicator: 1C2B, Proportion of carers receiving direct payments for support direct to carer.
  • ASCOF indicator 1D: Carer-reported quality of life.
  • ASCOF indicator: 3B, Overall satisfaction of carers with social services.
  • ASCOF indicator: 3C, Proportion of carers who report that they have been included or consulted in discussion about the person they care for.
  • Local 'Let's Talk' Survey: Poorer experiences of social care and healthcare provision, particularly hospital discharge and access to Primary Care.  This included confusion on roles and responsibilities of each organisation.
  • National Action Plan: Services and systems that work for carers.
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