This week is Carers Week, the annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
This year’s theme is Make Caring Visible and Valued.
The SNP Government has already announced an additional £750,000 investment to help people take a break from caring roles.
The First Minister has also pledged that in the first 100 days of returning to government after the election, the SNP Government will put forward legislation to provide another double payment to those receiving Carers Allowance Supplement this year and begin consulting on legislating for a National Care Service in Scotland.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“Supporting unpaid carers has been a priority for the SNP both before and during the pandemic. I am pleased to, once again, pledge my support for Carers Week and recognise the vital paid and unpaid work they do in our communities in what can often be difficult circumstances.
“Our efforts to make caring and all carers across North Ayrshire and Scotland visible should not be limited to this one week, nor should it be limited to recognition. Carers want to be supported in their roles. That’s why the SNP Government brought in the Carers Act, the Carers Allowance Supplement and the Young Carer Grant.
“They have pledged to pay a double payment to those receiving Carers Allowance, pay additional funds to those looking after more than one disabled person, provide vouchers for short breaks to carers to and replace the current Carer’s Allowance with Carer’s Assistance which will better suit the needs of those in Scotland.
“It is also why, after the pandemic, the SNP Government plan to develop a National Care Service with Scotland-wide standards on service quality, training and pay for professional social care staff.”
ENDS
