Support For Carers

Carers (Scotland) Act 2016

Carers help family members or friends who cannot cope day-to-day without support due to illness, disability, mental health or addiction issues.

• An adult carer is 18 years or older and may be employed/unemployed/in further education and training or retired. The carer may also be receiving care and support themselves.

• A young carer is under 18 years old, or has reached the age of 18 years whilst still at school.

Anyone can become a carer and many people do not recognise themselves as a carer. A carer can be a partner or spouse, other relative or friend and may not live in the same house as the person they care for.

The new Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 came into force on 1^st April 2018. This law will ensure that all adult and young carers in Scotland are better supported, so that they can continue to care, if they wish to, in good health whilst having a life of their own outside caring. More so for young carers to make sure they have a childhood first and foremost. The Act requires the Scottish Government to set out the rights of carers and publish it as a ‘Carers Charter’.

Carers Appreciation Card – North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership

North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership have introduced a Carers Appreciation Card. The card can be used to identify someone as a carer in a number of situations such as – a doctor, when visiting the pharmacy or at school or university.

It is also a way of saying thank you to all unpaid carers in North Ayrshire for their outstanding contribution, strength and devotion to caring. The card entitles North Ayrshire Carers to a growing range of offers and discounts from participating businesses helping with health & wellbeing, leisure and retail or simply getting out and about.