West Wales Carers Development Group Carers Delivery Plan · West Wales Carers Development Group...
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West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan Supported through Welsh Government Carers funding 2018/19
WWCDG 25 July 2018
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 1 Date: 25/07/2018
Revision History
Revision number Revision date Summary of changes Author R1.0 7/2/2018 Para 4. Risks - Revise statements on funding from WG Joy James
R1.1 8/2/2018 Para 4 Risks – Revise statements on funding from WG Chris Harrison
R1.2 8/2/2018 Para 4 Risks – Amend risk log to include future discussion on resource for support posts and possible integration with regional collaborative unit function
Chris Harrison
R1.3 8/2/2108 Annex A – IC04 – When recommissioning work, consider flexibility & combination of roles for future commissioning plans
Chris Harrison
R1.4 8/2/2018 Annex A – CG03 – Ensure that developments consider interfaces with the Preventative workstreams across the Region
Chris Harrison
R1.5 8/2/2018 Annex A – CM05 – Consider opportunity to include/incorporate with Dewis developments
Chris Harrison
R.1.6 8/2/2018 Annex A – OD03 – Consider outputs from the Resilience project in the wider Workforce Development Programme
Chris Harrison
R1.7 02/03/2018 Annex D – All diagrams revised to demonstrate Carers involvement in Delivery Plan assurance
Martin Gillard
R1.8 09/03/2018 Document amended to reflect editorial comments, corrections and dates Martin Gillard
CRG Final v1.0 23/03/2018 Final submission for inclusion in RPB area plan following RCDG meeting 22/3/2018
Martin Gilard
CRG Final 27/03/2018 Final paper with input from meeting/AB – Final version for input to Area Plan Martin Gillard
Distribution List
Name Date Position Company Action WWCDG Members 06/02/2018 All All To review v.1.0 Final draft 6 02 2018 and
comment
WWCDG 9/2/2018 All All Final version with feedback changes (CRG Delivery Plan v2.0 Final 09022018)
Kim Neyland 9/2/2018 All All Final version with feedback changes (CRG Delivery Plan v2.0 Final 09022018)
WWCDG Members
05/03/2018 WWCDG All Final feedback & comment ahead of RPB approval deadline 09/03/2018
WWCDG Members
09/03/2018 WWCDG All Amended document ahead of sign-off meeting 22/3/18 with editorial updates.
WWCDG Members
23/03/2018 WWCDG All Amendments for approval from meeting 22/3/2018
WWCDG Members K. Neyland
27/3/2018 All All Final plan for 18/19
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 2 Date: 25/07/2018
1. Document Aims & Objectives This document summarises the 2018/19 Delivery Plan proposed by the West Wales Carers
Development Group (WWCDG) and will form part of the West Wales Area Plan. This Delivery
Plan sets the proposed activity during 2018/19 with planned resources and timescales, based on
key factors, namely;
a. Addressing Carers’ requirements identified by the West Wales Population Needs
Assessment
b. Responding to the Welsh Government Ministerial priorities for supporting Carers.
c. In line with the West Wales RPB priorities, working collaboratively to deliver effective
services for Carers across the region.
2. Background
Under the Carers Strategies (Measure) 2010, a Regional Carers Group was established to
develop a regional partnership between Health, Social Care and Third/Voluntary Sector
organisations, to deliver the objectives of the Information and Consultation strategy. The
progress and achievements of the group have been detailed in the annual reports to Welsh
Government and Local Authority Well-being Scrutiny committees.
The introduction of Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (SSWBA) further
strengthened the rights for Carers through legislation. The continued funding of a specific work
programme for Carers has enabled a regional, integrated approach to service development.
This has now been taken forward by the West Wales Carers Development Group who form part
of the governance structures of the West Wales Regional Partnership Board.
There are a number of specific achievements which have resulted from the collaborative
working arrangements which have been in place since 2010. These are:
a. Regional co-ordination of Pooled funding for Carers Information, Outreach and Carers
support services
b. Co-ordinated communications, literature and events
c. Commissioning and delivery of Carer Aware training and across Workforce Development
units, Voluntary sectors and community organisations
d. Establishment of Carers’ forums within each local authority area to provide direct input
to local and regional issues and service improvement discussions.
e. Establishing a regional focus for Young Carers support services and co-operation across
Health, Authorities and Third Sector.
f. Wider inclusion and funding of Third/Voluntary Sector organisations in the delivery of
Outreach, Respite and Carers Support Services, and co-ordination of Carers Alliances.
g. Delivery and development of the Investors in Carers scheme supported by Council
Voluntary Services (CVS), across the region covering primary and community care, and
specific health settings as well as education and Young Carers services.
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 3 Date: 25/07/2018
h. Contributing to the development of the Regional PNA and Area Plan ensuring the needs
of Carers are clearly articulated
3. Future Priorities for Delivery
3.1. Workstream Definition
Carers have specific and individual needs, distinct from service users. The SSWBA provides a
foundation through which the Regional Partnership Board, and its priority workstreams, can
strengthen service delivery and include Carers aspects within each specific health and social
care theme.
The WWCDG has developed this Delivery Plan, to address both the Welsh Government priorities
as well as the gaps highlighted within the PNA. In order to take the work forward a number of
key workstreams have been established, namely;
Investors in Carers (IiC)
Joint Commissioning of Carers Services (Outreach, Respite and Information Services)
Information, Advice and Assistance (specific to the needs of Carers)
Service improvement & integration (including Hospital Discharge and Transfers of Care,
improving the well-being of Carers)
Training & Development (including formal/informal training for Carers)
Young Carers and Young Adult Carers
The detailed plans are shown at Annex A and provide an outline of the high level tasks, along
with planned timescales and milestones for the activity. In addition, the key gaps and
improvements across all themes identified within the PNA have been considered and
summarised at Annex B.
In defining the priorities for Regional development an impact statement has been included at
Annex E to explain the priorities and the contribution to expected outcomes.
3.2. Interfaces
While this plan identifies the priorities for Carers, the group recognises that across the
partnership, there are key interfaces with population group activities and working
principles and priorities, that will impact on the future state. The identification and
management of interfaces will be developed during the delivery phase of the plan, and will
include pace-setter initiatives and pilot studies supported by separate funding e.g. ICF. At
this stage the key interfaces identified are;
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 4 Date: 25/07/2018
3.2.1. Commissioning Outputs of the Commissioning workstream will be monitored and included within the
Carers Commissioning review.
3.2.2. Resilience Phase II
The workforce Resilience pilot in Ceredigion has been highlighted within this plan,
however, the second phase pilot is not yet concluded. The outcomes of the pilot
should have a positive impact on Authority staff and when complete, will be included
into the wider Carers Delivery plan.
4. Risks & Impacts
It has been indicated that the Welsh Government funding for Carers will be similar to previous
years across the Region, and that the Regional Partnership Board has a role, through the ICF, in
ensuring that appropriate levels of funding are allocated in order to meet the needs of Carers.
The proposed budget highlights that the Welsh Government funding will be focused on
supporting the delivery of services which will increase the awareness of the needs of Carers
and provide direct support to them.
Following confirmation of the WG allocation, the Regional Carer’s Co-ordination role has been
extended for the full Q1 2018/19; the West Wales Carers Development Group believe that this
is an essential role to support the delivery of the Area Plan priorities for Carers.
5. Funding the Delivery Plan Welsh Government has now confirmed the West Wales (HDUHB) budget for 2018/19 and this is
£121k of which £11k has been ring-fenced by the WWCDG to support Young Carers priority
actions. Annex C(i) and C(ii) sets out the proposed expenditure plan and work is on-going to
map the additional resources available through the Health Board and Local Authorities which
could support the Delivery Plan.
6. Governance arrangements
The governance arrangements for the West Wales Carers Development Group are summarised
in Annex D, and describe the engagement and input from Carers and Third/Voluntary Sector as
well as the Quality Assurance process to ensure that the work is developed and co-produced to
meet the Well-being goals and strategic priorities.
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 4 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex A
Workstream Title Investors in Carers Workstream Lead TBC Key Deliverables & Activity
Sub Activity Key Milestones ID Area Plan Link
Build on the evaluation and conclude a full Product Review of IiC and develop proposals for future sustainability
Conclude a review and evaluation on the current scheme levels
Produce a clear gap analysis and identify improvements, costs and benefits.
Produce an investment case for the long term sustainability of IiC and continued roll out across wider health, social care and other community settings.
Ensure future resourcing and commissioning options consider flexible roles with options to interface with community initiatives for Carers support. Q2 2018/19
IC01 1.10
Continue to consolidate the roll-out of the current IiC programme during 2018/2019 and increase the number of settings achieving an IiC award
Establish clear priorities and goals to support the continued delivery of IiC ensuring that the programme supports the PNA priorities.
Develop proposals to interface with other Quality systems Q2 2018/19
IC02 1.10
Develop the IiC scheme to ensure Bronze, Silver and Gold levels are available for each setting currently participating in IiC e.g.;
o GPs & Community Health o Wards & Departments o Schools/Colleges o Health & Social Care, Service Delivery o 3rd & VS Organisations o Community settings Q4 2018/19
IC03 1.10
Encourage participation in the scheme across front line services such as; o Housing / Council Tax o Contact Centres/Porth Gofal/Porth y Gymuned o Waste Services / Highways o Emergency Services o Utilities Q4 2018/19
IC04 1.10
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 5 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex A (Cont)
Workstream Title Joint Commissioning Workstream Lead TBC Key Deliverables & Activity Sub Activity Key Milestones ID Area Plan
Link
Review all services commissioned for Carers across the Region and identify synergies and economies across Health & Social Care.
Identify the Regional funding , directly or commissioned, of Carers services by Health and Social Care covering;
Outreach Respite/Breaks Information services Carers support services Support plans and day centre services Q1 2018/19
CG01 1.11
Provide a report to identify: o potential synergies & economies through Regional commissioning. o opportunities for Carers commissioning that promote;
Active 3rd/VS involvement & engagement Promote enterprise models that support Social Enterprises,
Community Settings and Cross Authority Co-operatives. Q2 2018/19
CG02 1.11
Produce a Regional statement of intent for Commissioning Carers Services that promotes sustainable, resilient community support and enables local delivery.
Develop a Regional framework and specification for Carers Services that delivers Welsh Government, specifically;
o Supports life alongside caring o Identifies and recognises Carers o Provides information, advice & assistance
Ensure Carers commissioning supports the Regional collaborative models to ensure co-production of service specifications and tender requirements.
Ensure commissioned services are aligned to Carers needs and “What Matters” evidence
Specify the knowledge, skills and services 3rd sector and promote growth potential in line with legislation.
Identify & promote key principles for grant advice and collaborative tendering processes
Q3 2018/19
CG03 1.11
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 6 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex A (Cont)
Workstream Title Information and Advice Workstream Lead
TBC
Key Deliverables & Activity Sub Activity Key Milestones ID Area Plan Link
Establish a Regional approach to the provision of information, advice and communication to support effective collaboration, awareness raising, training and service improvement.
In line with the Regional IAA framework, produce a Carers Communication Plan 2018/2019 to include:
o Interfaces to key workstreams across the Carers strategy including IiC. o Carer Training & Development o Young Carer specific communications centred around local events, support
and future planning/transitions o Working with health and social care teams to ensure Carer’s information is
included in all condition specific information o Publish and maintain a calendar of Regional Events 2018/2019 identifying
partnership supported events across West Wales that deliver WG priorities.
o Ensure IAA covers specific Carers requirements such as housing, benefits, adaptations, repairs and Improvements.
o In line with the Regional IAA framework, develop a network of Carers information across the Region.
Q1/On-going 2018/19
CM01 1.12
Review all Carers literature and information, and in-line with regional information, advice and assistance;
o Define a catalogue of Carers information o Ensure availability meets the needs of Carers in line with local demands o Support and input to regional priorities for IAA and the Preventative
framework o Fully supports the development and expansion of Dewis and similar digital
media o Is relevant to citizens preferences, especially Young Carers Q3 2018/19
CM02 1.12
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 7 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex A (Cont)
Workstream Title Service Improvement & Integration Workstream Lead
TBC
Key Deliverables & Activity Sub Activity Key Milestones
ID Area Plan Link
Audit Carers Assessments to review effectiveness in order to identify actions to improve front line service delivery, particularly discharge from hospital and transfer of care, that support WG and Regional priorities.
Undertake an audit of Carers Assessments to review effectiveness of holistic assessment and support processes; audit will focus on key priority areas e.g. mental health, planned care interventions and social care assessments.
Identify upstream improvements to Carer identification at Primary and Community Health functions, particularly Carers with conditions requiring hospital treatments.
Produce a report and recommendations for service improvements, which also highlight interfaces with IiC and future developments
Q2 2018/19
OD01 2.9; E7
Promote the awareness of Carers Resilience models.
Cascade the key improvements for Carers from the Resilience Pilot in Ceredigion
Provide input and support across the Regionto support the implementation of resilience models for Carers
Include Resilience objectives within Commissioning of services to benefit Carers and maintain their capacity to care.
Q3 2018/19
OD02 1.13
Review workforce policies across the Region identify and share best practices that enhance recruitment, retention and development of the workforce with Carer responsibilities.
Review Carer policies for the key partner organisations of the WWCP, benchmarking practice with Carers UK “Employers for Carers” to support the Carer workforce in their employment.
Review staff surveys and feedback to provide clear insights to “What Matters” in maintaining morale and motivation.
Develop interfaces with Resilience in the Workplace Project.
Produce a report to summarise good practice across the Region and provide recommendations for improvement.
Q4 2018/19
OD03
E1
Establish a Regional Carers Quality Group to ensure carers voice
Establish a Regional Carers Quality Group to support the quality assurance process and evaluate the work of the WWCDG to ensure that carer and third sector voices are shaping the development of Carers services. Q4 2018/19
OD4 Part 1
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 8 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex A (Cont)
Workstream Title Young Carers & Young Adult Carers Workstream Lead TBC Key Deliverables & Activity
Sub Activity Key Milestones
ID Area Plan Link
Establish opportunities to encourage Young Carer engagement, involvement and co-production.
Establish a Regional forum of Young Carers to ensure opportunities and environments exist for input, design and appropriate feedback, ensuring;
o Direct links with the Regional citizens engagement models o Regional framework for Young Carers/Young Adult Carers o Citizen led service delivery o Communicate through relevant and appropriate methods, particularly Digital and Social
Media Q1 2018/19
YC01
Part 1
Re-establish the Regional Young Carers (YC)/Young Adult Carers (YAC) Group to provide a specific focus on improving services for these groups.
Re-establish the Regional YC/YAC group covering Authorities, 3rd/VS Commissioners, Safeguarding and Education to:
o Develop a Regional YC plan that delivers the priorities and cultural elements across the Region, covering;
My role as a Carer My education, development and career My family, friends and recreation My health and well-being.
o Propose new and innovative approaches to; Engagement, Information and Advice Assistance, Support and prevention Community awareness, resilience and support Respite and Replacement Care Emotional & physical crisis support Outreach services
o Consider the benefit of establishing a dedicated Regional Young Carers Co-ordinator
Q2 2018/19 Q3 2018/19
YC02
1.12, 1.13
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 9 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex A (Cont)
Workstream Title Training & Development Workstream Lead TBC Key Deliverables & Activity
Sub Activity Key Milestones ID Area Plan Link
Work with other partners e.g. PSB to promote opportunities for Carers to participate in learning, development and employment opportunities.
Provide a Regional statement of Carers needs for Learning & Development, including, not limited to; o My Caring Role o My Employment & development o My interests and hobbies o My life after caring o Young Carers and Young Adult Carers o Barriers that Carers experience which prevent L&D activity such as; Replacement Care
provision; Care costs; Travel limitations, particularly with time constraints
Audit and assess the Learning & Development opportunities for Carer, specifically o Access to Authority and community learning & development o Learning, development and training that supports Carers, their role, their life, their Well-
being o In line with the Preventative framework, encourage Resilient and sustainable communities
Promote Carer involvement and participation, whether voluntary or employed Q3 2018/19
LD01 1.10
Develop a training and development plan to maintain a priority on developing skills of professionals to support Carers.
Maintain an overview of the Carer Aware and Young Carer Aware E-Learning Training
Provide insight and advice to Regional L&D managers to develop workforce training that promotes the Carer agenda
Review colleges and FE across the region, encouraging and supporting Carer IAA in mainstream syllabuses.
Q3 2018/19
LD02 1.10
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 10 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex B
West Wales Regional Care Partnership – Cross-reference with Carers Themes within the Population Needs Assessment
PNA Section Sub section Feedback and Commentary
Section 5 Recommendations Well-being para 6.0 Prioritise support for carers, enabling them and those they care for to live fulfilled and independent lives for as long as possible.
Co-production para 8.0 Ensure that people needing care and support and carers are involved meaningfully at all stage in the planning, delivery and review of services. (Strategically & Operationally)
Cooperation, partnership & integration para 9.0
Create an environment which permits radical change and encourages innovation rather than trying to do more of the same with less.
Section 8 Children & Young People
Voice & Control Medium of Welsh and the active offer
Prevention & Early Intervention
Build resilience of children & young people and families
Section 9 Health & Physical disabilities
Voice & Control Areas for improvement include Information, advice and assistance to ensure that people are signposted to relevant support within their community, advocacy and improved choice in the format and range of services available.
Well-being Day opportunities that support people with specific health and physical needs
Building community resilience by encouraging a culture of ownership and responsibility for individuals’ and the community’s own health and well-being and support for example through local support groups for people with chronic conditions.
Co-operation, partnership and integration
Strengthening transition arrangement between children and young people’s services and adult services.
Section 10 Learning Disability and Autism
10.3 Current and Future Care and Support Needs
A clear message is coming from service users and carers; they want support to help them optimise their independence, access employment and benefit from volunteering opportunities. People also say they want greater opportunities for training and development and to be able to make new friends and participate in social activities. These clearly reflect the principles underpinning the progression model of care and support.
Support for Carers Ensuring that those caring for people with a learning disability receive appropriate information, advice and support on options available and entitlements, etc.
Figure 10.3 : Circle of support for learning disability
Support for Carers
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 11 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
10.4 Current Care & Support Provision
Respite provision: Short breaks/respites is a key commitment in recognition that planned breaks are an essential part of supporting families
10.5 Gaps and Areas for Improvement
To build community resilience and capacity across a range of services that support people with a learning disability
Well-being A continued shift from traditional day services to a model that offers choice and variety, that is outcome and community based, supports access to employment and volunteering, helps people realise individual aspirations and promotes social inclusion.
Mental Health 11.3 Current and Future Care and Support Needs
Develop a collaborative approach with the third sector to facilitate information, advice and assistance that supports the development of population resilience.
Improve support for Carers
11.5 Gaps and Areas for Development
Prevention and early intervention – Especially for this in crisis
Well-being Improve access to specific mental health welfare rights support and increased support for Carer and Carers need to be involved in Care and Treatment planning.
Older People General census planning figures for development planning
Ensure we use the same evidence base for future planning
12.4 Care and support provision
Examples for development including the 3 Levels of service and “Offers”
Sensory Impairment 13.4 Care & Support provision
Support for Carers of people with sensory loss, including information, signposting to appropriate support and advice on Carer’s assessments
Co-operation, partnership and integration
Developing self-reliant individuals and resilient communities to support people to remain independent in their own communities
Substance Misuse Co-production Increasing service user involvement, including Carers, Young Carers, parents or significant others in service delivery and service planning.
Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence
Cooperation, co-production and integration
Work together to understand and meet the needs of communities
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 12 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex C (i)
Regional Carers Development Group - Delivery Budget Forecast (2018/2019)
SLA Costs
Staff - IiC (5% uplift vs 17/18 SLAs ) £79,800.00
Staff - Business support (Apr-Jun 2018) £2,000.00
IiC (Scheme delivery & support revenue costs) £3,100.00
Discharge /TOC Service Improvement (OD Workstream) £4,500.00
IAA Development (Leaflets, posters, Literature, Carers Identity Cards etc ) £3,200.00
Breaks from Caring - Review & Analysis £9,900.00
Young Carers (Ring fenced) £11,000.00
Translation Contingency Budget (Across IiC, YC, Carers Group) £2,500.00
Co Production / Replacement Care Costs £5,000.00
Total Budget Estimate £121,000.00
Welsh Government - West Wales Carers Allocation (via HDUHB) £121,000.00
Variance £0.00
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 13 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex C (ii)
WWCDG - Delivery Plan - Staff Resource & Budget 2018/2019
Core G
roup
Organisation
(Current Supplier)Role
Partnership
Involvement
(FTE)
Funding BodyDelivery Budget
Requirement
HDUHB Chair 40% HDUHB £0.00
HDUHB IiC 100% HDUHB £0.00
Pembrokeshire County Officer 35% Pembrokeshire £0.00
Carmarthenshire County Officer 35% Carmarthenshire £0.00
Ceredigion County Officer 35% Ceredigion £0.00
HDUHB Admin & Support 40% HDUHB £0.00
HDUHB Communications Support 40% HDUHB £0.00
CeredigionBusiness Support (Apr-June
18/Part Regional funding) 100%
Transition
Funded £2,000.00
Core G
roup
PAVSIiC County Officer (3 d.p.w) 100%
Transition
Funded £25,200.00
IiC CCIiC County Officer (4 d.p.w) 100%
Transition
Funded £29,400.00
CAVOIiC County Officer (3 d.p.w) 100%
Transition
Funded £25,200.00
Total Staff £81,800.00
IiC
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Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
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Annex D(i)
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 15 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex D (ii)
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 16 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex D(iii)
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 17 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex D(iv)
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 18 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex D(v)
West Wales Carers Development Group
Carers Delivery Plan 2018/19
File: Crg Delivery Plan Final27 03 2018 Page 19 of 21 Date: 25/07/2018
Annex E
Key Workstream Activity vs Priority Outcomes
Investors in Carers
Carers Commissioning
Communication
Organisational
DevelopmentYoung Carers
Resilience - Phase III
GPs / MH / EducationCIS/Support/Respite
Outreach/Day Centres
Regional literature,
wider topics to
include
Housing, Benefits,
Condition Specific
Carer pathway and
continuum across H&SC
YC Fora and
Transitions
Workforce &
Community
(ICF
Application
21/01/2018)
Support Life alongside caring Limited Partial Partial Limited Significant Limited
Breaks to maintain capacity to care Partial Partial Partial Limited Significant Significant
Life Beyond Caring Limited Partial Partial Limited Limited Partial
Identify & Recognising Carers Significant Significant Limited Partial Significant Limited
Raise Awareness (Public) Partial Partial Partial Partial Partial Partial
Improve Recognition Significant Significant Partial Partial Significant Partial
Information, Advice, Assistance Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant Partial
Access to appropriate Information Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant Partial
Access Necessary Support Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant Partial
Right time, Right place Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant
Disharge Planning / TOC - Carers Partial Limited Significant Significant Limited Limited
Carers Information Services Significant Partial Significant Significant Limited Limited
Carer involvement in discharge planning Significant Significant Significant Significant Limited Limited
Raise public understanding of Carers Significant Significant Significant Significant Limited Limited
Support the wellbeing of Carers Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant
User led co-produced services Significant Significant Significant Limited Significant Limited
Prevention & Early Intervention Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant
Well-being of Carers Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant
Co Production Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant
Co-operation, Partnership & Integration Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant
Voice & Control Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant
Min
isterial Prio
ritiesR
egion
al
Prio
rity
SSWB
A C
ore
Prin
ciples
Regional Carers Group
Annual Report
2017–18
Page 2 of 19
CONTENTS
1. Introduction .................................................................................................. 4
2. The Needs of Carers in West Wales ................................................................ 4
3. Key Developments & Progress – 2017/18 ........................................................ 5
3.1. Strengthening partnership working at a Local Level ................................... 5
3.2. Creating opportunities to enable third sector to fully participate in delivery 7
3.3. Embedding the needs of Carers into mainstreaming services .................... 10
3.4. Respite and Carers breaks 2017/18 – Pembrokeshire ............................... 14
3.5. Respite and Carers breaks 2017/18 – Ceredigion ..................................... 15
3.6. Respite and Carers breaks 2017/18 – Carmarthenshire ............................ 17
4. Priorities for 2018/19 ................................................................................... 18
5. Conclusion .................................................................................................. 19
Page 3 of 19
Foreword by Chair of West Wales Care Partnership
As the in-coming chair of the West Wales Regional Partnership Board I am pleased to
present the report on the Carers Delivery plan for 2017/18. This annual report reflects
the second year of the transition between the Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure (2010)
the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. Welsh Government provided a
small financial allocation to enable health, local authorities and the third sector to work
in partnership to support carers under the Act by:
• Strengthening the partnership approach at a local level;
• Creating opportunities to enable the third sector to fully participate in
the delivery;
• Setting out how the increased responsibilities for health and the new
responsibilities for local authorities will be delivered;
• Ensuring that the transition funding is used as a means of embedding
the practice in mainstreaming carers’ needs so it is common practice;
Within the annual report, we have provided information on our progress towards these
priority areas and have also set out details of respite care and short break provision
available to carers supported by Welsh Government’s Carers Respite Grant. The annual
report provides a summary and examples of some of the great work across the region
to provide Carers with much needed opportunities for rest and relaxation, away from
caring.
I’m pleased to confirm that Carers are identified as a key focus of the work of the
Regional Partnership Board during 2018/19, who have appointed Sarah Jennings,
Director of Partnerships and Corporate Services, as Executive Lead for Carers,
demonstrating the recognition and importance of this valued group within our
communities.
Carers are a fundamental focus within the West Wales Area Plan 2018-2023 which sets
out our communities needs across West Wales and how we will work in partnership to
respond to these. We are facing unprecedented changes in Health and Social Care and
with an aging population the number of Carers in the region is likely to increase. The
Regional Partnership Board is committed to working to deliver support for Carers in our
communities in new and innovative ways, and to ensure that the needs of Carers are
considered at every stage of their health and social care journey.
Councillor Jane Tremlett
Chair, West Wales Care Partnership & Carers Champion, Carmarthenshire County
Council
Page 4 of 19
1. Introduction
This report summarises the activity of the West Wales Carers Development Group
(WWCDG) during the period 1st April 2017 – 31st March 2018. The WWCDG is a
formal sub-group of the West Wales Regional Partnership Board (RPB) which
includes representatives of Hywel Dda University Health Board (Health Board), the
three Local Authorities of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, as well as
Third and Voluntary sector organisations, and representatives of users and carers in
West Wales.
This report provides an overview of the work which has been taken forward, utilising
the funding provided by Welsh Government, to ensure that Carers priorities are
embedded in Services across the region. 2017/18 reflects the second year of the
Welsh Government’s transition phase between the Carers Strategies (Wales)
Measure 2010 and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. In their
budget letter dated 19th April 2017, Welsh Government set out their expectation that
health, local authorities and the third sector will work in partnership to support
carers under the Act by:
Strengthening the partnership approach at a local level;
Creating opportunities to enable the third sector to fully participate in the
delivery;
Setting out how the increased responsibilities for health and the new
responsibilities for local authorities will be delivered;
Ensuring that the transition funding is used as a means of embedding the
practice in mainstreaming carers’ needs so it is common practice;
Setting out details of respite care and short break provision available to carers.
The requirements above form the basis of this Carers Annual Report 2017/18 which
provides evidence of progress against each of these areas.
2. The Needs of Carers in West Wales
The West Wales RPB published its first Population Assessment for West Wales in
April 2017, and following this has developed the West Wales Area Plan 2018-2023. A
significant amount of information about the needs of the population was gathered
through direct citizen engagement. This was further enhanced with the data and
outcomes collected during the Carers’ Measure work across the region in order to
develop a profile of Carers’ across West Wales.
The 2011 Census identified that within the West Wales population of 348,000, there
is approximately 47,000 Carers. Around 9,000 Carers have been identified either
through GPs or Social Services, which demonstrates that many Carers are being
identified as a result of their own health or care needs. In addition, over 130 Young
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Carers have been identified in West Wales; these are young people under the age of
18 years old who are caring for siblings and parents.
The West Wales Carers Development Group has continued the work started under
the Carers Measure and reports to the West Wales Regional Partnership Board,
ensuring that Regional priorities as defined in the West Wales Area Plan are
implemented.
3. Key Developments & Progress – 2017/18
The WWCDG established a delivery plan for 2017/18 detailing the activity to be
taken forward throughout the year. The delivery plan took account of the priority
areas set by Welsh Government:
Strengthening the partnership approach at a local level;
Creating opportunities to enable the third sector to fully participate in the
delivery;
Setting out how the increased responsibilities for health and the new
responsibilities for local authorities will be delivered;
Ensuring that the transition funding is used as a means of embedding the
practice in mainstreaming carers’ needs so it is common practice;
Setting out details of respite care and short break provision available to
carers.
Finances available to support the delivery of the work plan during 2017/18 included
a specific Welsh Government grant of £115,469. Hywel Dda University Health Board
was the bursar on behalf of the region for this funding. In addition, each local
authority received a Carers Respite grant. The Welsh Government funding was used
alongside core funding from the statutory partners to deliver a number of specific
projects described below.
The following sections of the report provide evidence of the progress which has been
made both locally and regionally to address the Welsh Government priority areas.
3.1. Strengthening partnership working at a Local Level
Across the region, local input and involvement has been maintained and
strengthened in the design and delivery of Carers services. Some examples of this
work are described below.
3.1.1. Pembrokeshire Joint Carers Strategy
The Pembrokeshire Carers strategy was first published in 2015 setting out the five
year vision for Carers, jointly between Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) and
Hywel Dda University Health Board, covering adult and Young Carers. To ensure the
plans reflect local priorities, the strategy is led by PCC and includes representatives
from Social Care, Learning & Development, Workways+, Pembrokeshire Carers
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Information and Support Service, PAVS, and Pembrokeshire Young Carers. The
strategy board also includes Carers Champions, the Cabinet member for Social Care,
Health Board Carers lead and the Investors in Carers (IiC) regional manager. This
broad representation of partners ensures that services will be developed to reflect
the County priorities as well as being aligned to citizens own needs.
3.1.2. Ceredigion Carers Alliance
Ceredigion County Council has embedded the annual priorities for Carers through the
core Social Services Business Plan and Performance Monitoring reporting framework.
The Ceredigion Carers’ Alliance (CCA) has been in existence since 1999 and currently
has 35 member organisations, comprising of third sector and statutory members. It
is facilitated by Ceredigion County Council Carers Unit with the Carers Champion,
meeting on a quarterly basis to support and encourage collaborative working and
support partnerships, with information exchanged openly for members through
“Knowledge Hub”. Whilst Carers are the primary focus, the Alliance has the ability to
input to similar groups such as Ceredigion Older Peoples Partnership. The strength
of the partnership is emphasised when collaborating on topics such as Influenza
Campaigns with Public Health, benefit changes with Housing and Department of
Work and Pensions (DWP).
Feedback from CCA members has been very positive and clearly demonstrates the
impact of local partnership.
3.1.3. Carmarthenshire Carers Information Service
Carmarthenshire County Council Carers service has developed close links with the
Health Board over a numbers of years and now both organisations jointly fund and
commission the Carmarthenshire Carers Information Service. This service provides a
focus on providing the right information at the right time, proportionate to their
needs. It also ensures the continuum of information and advice between primary
care, general health and social care. .
“The connections made between the various organisations is seen as
very valuable – in my case I have increased referrals in the last year
because of these links.” (Member of Ceredigion Carers Alliance)
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3.2. Creating opportunities to enable third sector to fully participate in
delivery
At a Regional level the third sector is directly involved and has clear roles within the
Regional Partnership Board. In development of its plans for 2018/19, the WWCDG
has actively sought to involve third sector partners and encourage input and this has
also been sought during the year in the development of the workstream actions. In
particular;
Each workstream within the 2017/18 Delivery Plan was led by a group
member and specific task & finish groups sought to directly involve third
sector representatives.
The WWCDG have commenced the development of a Quality Assurance
Group as a separate scrutiny forum, which will comprise Carers and third
sector members. The Quality Assurance Group is a key priority to
establish and embed in the early months of 2018/19 and reflects our
commitment to ensuring third sector and Carer input to both developing
and reviewing plans.
The Investors in Carers (IiC) delivery team is hosted and employed by
each of the County Voluntary Councils (CVCs) in Ceredigion and
Pembrokeshire and Third Sector partners in Carmarthenshire. This
ensures two way communication and involvement on a number of areas,
not just IiC.
A number of third sector organisations are specifically commissioned to provide
services to support Carers in West Wales. These include Hafal Crossroads, Carers
Trust Crossroads Sir Gar, British Red Cross, and Action for Children. These
services are funded from the core budgets of the partner organisations and are
additional to the Welsh Government transition funding.
Some key facts about Carmarthenshire Carers Service:
Nearly 3,500 carers were registered with the service
1,284 Carers were actively supported in 2017/18
1,064 referrals were made to other services
752 referral were to 3rd sector organisations for further
assistance and support
576 Carers Information packs were distributed.
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3.2.1. Carers Replacement Care – Pembrokeshire
Across the region, the third sector is actively involved in Carers services, from
design through to delivery. In Pembrokeshire, Hafal Crossroads have been
funded for a number of years to provide a replacement care service enabling the
carers to have some time out from their caring role. In recent years the service
has been oversubscribed with some Carers having to wait a considerable time to
access the service.
Following an in-depth review by PCC on behalf of both the Council and Health
Board, discussions and meetings were held with Hafal Crossroads to review the
service with direct input from stakeholders including Carers. The resulting
outcome was a re-designed service, which brought together 4 separate contracts
into a single remodelled “Short Term Replacement Care service”. Commencing in
June 2018, the new service will provide up to 3 hours replacement care for a
period of 12 weeks, whilst the Cared for/Carer are waiting for an assessment of
their needs. Following the assessment, any eligible needs will be addressed
through their Care and Support Plan. Carers that are assessed and not eligible
will be supported through the IAA (Information, Advice and Assistance) service,
enabling them to access on-going services and support in the community. The
IAA has grown considerably whilst also reducing waiting times and developing
better links with PCC’s contact centre.
3.2.2. Ceredigion Carers Alliance – Joint Working Opportunities
Whilst the Ceredigion Carers Alliance (CCA) has been led and supported by
Ceredigion’s Carers Unit, the forum has always supported a policy of open
sharing and co-operation. This has opportunities for the Third Sector to be
involved and participate in service design and delivery for many years. Reflecting
the very rural, sparse populations, the CCA has been developing an initiative
since April 2018, to compile a portfolio of smaller projects and initiatives which
“Being part of the Alliance ensures a legitimacy to work together,
that we are not in competition.”(Charity/Service Provider)
“Happy to have the service so my wife can have a break and go to
appointments to keep her well” (feedback from a Carer)
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identify service gaps or very localised needs. The aim is to source funding for the
localised developments, either from the Welsh Government Integrated Care Fund
(ICF) or joint charity supported grants. The initiatives may only support small
communities or groups of Carers, though the key objective is to develop the
momentum at a micro level, in turn encouraging and stimulating community
interest and involvement.
Carers Week and Carer’s Rights Day events across the region, give Carers and
Third Sector organisations the opportunity to network and get a fuller
understanding of both needs and capabilities, often reaching those Carers not
known or registered through traditional routes. Events and workshops provide
an alternative and valuable communication method, removing the historical
misconceptions of Social Care, encouraging Carers to positively engage.
This year notable successes in Ceredigion included;
10 minute sessions on managing stress and emotional well-being run by
Hafal
Short Tai Chi sessions by West Wales Action for Mental Health
Mindfulness through Creativity delivered by Arts4Wellbeing
Free influenza vaccinations at Carers Rights Day provided by Lloyds
Pharmacy
Several social care professionals commented on the events and provided positive
feedback from Carers.
In Carmarthenshire, a full programme of events was organised for Carer’s Rights
Day, with 17 Third & Voluntary sector organisations participating, supported by 9
local government bodies, including Public Health Wales, to provide Carers with a
wide range of Information, Advice and Assistance.
“We had a really positive day and really enjoyed it. Every
Carer I spoke to said that it had been such a worthwhile
day.” (Voluntary Sector Worker)
“Having a drop-in structure meant that Carers could come
and go as they pleased, with no feelings of being rushed to
attend or disruption to their caring duties.”(Carer)
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Importantly, there was also recognition through IiC (Investors in Carers) Bronze
awards for 2 schools and awards for the Biennial “Caring Boss Awards”, all
serving to increase the public understanding and awareness of Carers.
3.2.3. Carmarthenshire Carers – Information & Outreach
It has been recognised that whilst each Carer is an individual, there is a similar
variety in needs for information and support. Interlinked with the Carers
Information Services, support is provided in a number of new ways across the
county, with direct input and design from third sector partners.
Initial contacts can be made via phone, or through to Carers Trust web site,
providing information in a range of formats. Digital media, including Facebook, is
also used although it is recognised that this is not “user friendly” for the whole
community. The commissioned service also involves the third sector to deliver an
Outreach Service through 3 part time support workers, who provide more in
depth Information, Advice and Assistance (IAA) and GP registration to those
Carers who’s travelling is restricted by their Caring commitments. During the
year 243 home visits were delivered for Carers who might otherwise have not
been supported.
3.2.4. Carers Well-being & Resilience – Ceredigion Pilot – Phase II
Following the success of the Carers Resilience and Well-being programme
supported by the Mid Wales Health Collaborative during 2016/17, a further
programme was established to develop delivery options for Carers in Employment
and Young Carers in Education. The programme aims to establish service models
that will provide Carers with resilience and “self-care” models to cope with the
stress and strains of their caring role. Supported by regional ICF (Integrated
Care Fund) funding, the programme included;
Workplace solutions for Carers in employment within Ceredigion Council
Young Carers in Education
Action for Children (AFC) was engaged in October 2017 to support the
programme involving 12 Young Carers. The aim is to develop an accredited
“train the trainer” model that communities and the third sector partners can
deliver with schools and teachers, supporting Young Carers in their own
educational environment. Whilst the reports and recommendations are yet to be
finalised, the early indications are positive and engagement and co-operation with
the third sector has been a success.
3.3. Embedding the needs of Carers into mainstreaming services
Alongside input to the West Wales Area Plan and development of the Carers Delivery
Plan for 2018/19, the main focus of the WWCDG during 2017/18 has been to
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continue the support for both Investors in Carers and the Carer Aware e-learning
courses. Both these initiatives have demonstrated significant benefits and outcomes
across the region and are recognised across Wales as good practice examples.
3.3.1. Investors in Carers
Building on the historical success of Investors in Carers (IiC), continuation of the
Health Boards core funding and use of the Welsh Government transition funding
during 2017/18 has enabled the scheme to be expanded across a range of
settings. During 2017/18 the scheme continued to be delivered in community
health settings, for example through GPs and Pharmacies. At 31st March 2018
there were 7,339 Carers registered at their GP surgery and as a result of
identifying the Carers nearly 800 people were referred by their surgeries for
further information, advice and assistance.
There has also been a significant adoption of the IiC scheme across the Health
Board Mental Health teams, as IiC is considered a supporting element of their
Quality Assurance programme. There are now 16 units, ward and community
teams within the Health Board that have completed the Bronze level award. This
emphasises the important role of Carers who can be partners in the successful
delivery of care plans.
The scheme has also expanded across education with 7 secondary schools and 1
further education college at the Bronze award level. This demonstrates the major
contribution to the Well-being of Young Carers across the region. A further 6
education settings have given a commitment to completing Bronze level during
2018/19, which includes 1 primary school.
A summary of the key indicators and progress with the scheme is shown in the
table below;
“CRHTT staff have always been aware of the importance of
carers; they are our extended nursing team and without
their hard work we would not be able to provide our service
“.
Page 12 of 19
The IiC Scheme has been instrumental in increasing the identification and
recognition of Carers in primary care over the past few years. A further benefit of
the scheme is that it has acted as a catalyst for local community groups to
provide self-directed support and resilience. One such example is Newport library
group in Pembrokeshire.
Investors In Carers - 2017/18 - Key Indicators
IiC AccreditationAwards
In Progress
(18/19)
GPs achieved (Bronze) 51 1
GPs achieved (Silver) 5 3
Community Pharmacies - (Bronze) 11 20
Adult Mental Health Wards - (Bronze) 5 3
Community Hospitals & Outpatients - (Bronze) 1 4
Pre-assessment Clinic (Withybush/Bronglais) - (Bronze) 1 1
Patient Advice Liaison Service 0 1
EPP 0 1
Non-Emergency Patient Transport (WAST) 0 1
S-CAMHS - (Bronze) 3 2
CMHT (Acute) - (Bronze) 1 3
CMHT (Older Adults) - (Bronze) 4 0
CRHT - (Bronze) 1 3
PICU - (Bronze) 0 1
AwardsIn Progress
(18/19)Primary Schools 0 1
Secondary Schools - (Bronze) 7 4
Colleges - (Bronze) 1 2
Carers Trust/Crossroads Sir Gar (CIS/Care) (Bronze) 1 1
Cyngor Sir Gar (LD Day Services) 0 3
Pembrokeshire TAF (Bronze) 1 0Workways+ (Pembs/Cere) (Bronze) 1 1
AwardsIn Progress
(18/19)
Pembroke Dock Library (Bronze) 1 0
Newport Library (Bronze) 1 0
Norman Industries (Social Entreprise) (Bronze) 1 0
Bronze Accreditation 92
Silver Accreditation 5
Accreditation Planned for 2018/19 56
Communities &
Social Enterprise
Council & Commissioned
Services
Authorities
Health
Schools & Colleges
Community Teams
Primary Care
Wards & Hospitals
Patient Information, Advice
& Assistance
Building on the success at the Newport Surgery, Pembrokeshire, the community
library completed the Bronze award for IiC. Supported by Pembrokeshire
County Council, the project established a Carers Support Group in June 2017
and has been able to provide Information, Advice and Assistance (IAA) to
Carers on a range of topics, face to face support and perhaps more importantly,
community resilience.
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In Ceredigion, the Ystwyth Surgery Carers Group was established, building on the
surgeries achievement of IiC's Bronze Award.
3.3.2. Carer Aware e-Learning
Carer Aware and Young Carer Aware e-learning courses were continued through
2017/18 with updates and Welsh translations for both training packages. The
major transition through the year was the transfer to Authorities own e-learning
platforms to ensure mainstream availability for all Council employees. The e-
learning courses are recognised qualifications that contribute to the IiC award
scheme and have supported its expansion across Third Sector and community
organisations. Over 36 different Third Sector organisations have accessed the e-
learning courses over 4 years.
During 2017/18 approximately 700 staff completed the courses, with a total of
2,300 health and social care staff having completed a course throughout its
lifetime. Over 94% of people completing the course report that they are Carer
Aware and 86% report that they are more confident to provide Carers with
information, advice and assistance.
Over the lifetime of the course several metrics have been analysed and based on
the sample size have provided very robust evidence concerning the Health and
Social Care workforce across West Wales. In particular, the course metrics have
highlighted that at the point of course completion 21% of the workforce are
Carers and 46% have had previous Caring responsibilities. It is also significant
In May 2017, the Carers Lead at Ystwyth Surgery identified each of the Carers
registered at surgery and contacted them individually to introduce herself and also
confirm the details of their Caring role. During the conversation, the Carers Lead
discussed whether they needed any further support. Now, new patients are added
to a central Carers database and the Carers lead contacts them, introduces herself
and provides a contact point for further information, advice and assistance.
community resilience.
The surgery now holds quarterly meetings for Carers at Tesco’s community room in
Aberystwyth. The group is primarily a “social” group of like-minded people, though
other organisations are invited. Ceredigion Carers Unit and District Nurses from the
Health Board have attended and this provides an opportunity for discussion,
information and advice in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. The group is gaining
momentum and clearly demonstrates how IiC has provided a catalyst for the
development of communities action and resilience.
Page 14 of 19
that approximately 70% of people completing the course reported that they
expect to be Carers in the future.
The courses have been successful in developing a common understanding of the
Carers agenda across the service delivery pipeline. Based on the successes with
the courses, members of the WWCDG have been directly involved in the
development of the Social Care Wales replacement courses. These new courses
are due to be launched in 2018/19 and will be available across Health and
Councils on the All Wales e-learning platform. Both courses will remain as key
evidence for workforce training for the Investors in Carers scheme and will now
become the mainstream learning & development tool for Carer Awareness across
Wales.
3.4. Respite and Carers breaks 2017/18 – Pembrokeshire
Following discussions with service managers and in collaboration with the Health
Board, Carers Information Services, Carers Support Services and Carers, the
Respite provision across Pembrokeshire was reviewed in conjunction with the
feedback from citizens through the Population Needs Assessment. In
consideration of the Carer feedback, a range of initiatives were developed to
provide respite opportunities to all Carers, including Young Carers, that weren’t
dependant on the Cared for’s condition and focused on the Carers’ needs to
maintain their well-being.
In Pembrokeshire, three key initiatives were developed for Carer Respite,
illustrated below;
3.4.1. Trinity Project
The project provides short breaks (Afternoon/Evening) allowing Carers and
Parent Carers to enjoy a break for their role at an activity or event of their choice.
During February, activities such as craft/cooking sessions, 10 pin bowling for the
children to attend, allowing the Carers to attend parents evenings, lunch with
friends or simply go shopping without the time pressure normally experienced.
In one case, the ability to focus on another family member undergoing
“I thought the E-Learning struck the right balance between giving
information and getting me to think about different aspects of
Caring. As someone who has limited knowledge on Caring I found
it interesting, thought provoking and informative. I particularly
like that I now have a better idea who to approach on the subject
of Carer support in my community” (feedback from a Support
Worker completing the course)
Page 15 of 19
chemotherapy, without the time pressures of their Caring role had a great
impact.
3.4.2. Emergency Provision
Respite is normally considered as an assessed service and chargeable subject to
financial assessment. However, in order to respond to the need that Carers have
in emergency situations the Welsh Government funding was used to provide crisis
support for Carers providing short term rapid response for the Carers at no cost
to them, and at short notice. The overall feedback was very positive and Carers
commented that they felt valued and recognised.
3.4.3. Passport to Leisure
Caring has a significant impact on a person’s Well-being. During 2017/18,
Pembrokeshire supported 100 Carers to access a free 12 month Passport to
Leisure membership. Carers can now access exercise classes, the gym,
swimming or even just sit and enjoy conversation with friends over a coffee.
Between October 2017 and April 2018 100 carers have accessed 718 sessions
across Pembrokeshire. The range of activities is just enough to give Carers the
“space” to think about themselves without anxiety or guilt.
3.5. Respite and Carers breaks 2017/18 – Ceredigion
3.5.1. Young Carers Service Development
The provision of additional funds from Welsh Government allowed Ceredigion to
work with Action for Children to hold a weekend residential event for Young
Carers. This provided a simple break from their Caring role and the opportunity
to “play and relax” with peers, not a norm for many Young Carers. During the
event, Action for Children also provided one to one sessions, giving the Young
“We stayed at the hospital all day. It was reassuring
to know that the kids were being looked after”.
(Parent/Carer)
“In times of an emergency, with feelings of stress
and worry, Carers responses were overwhelmingly
positive at not having to worry about payment. The
pot of money to provide carers with a short break in
an emergency was beyond useful.” (Social Worker)
Page 16 of 19
Carers the opportunity to talk about their anxieties in a relaxed and safe
environment.
Action for Children were able to take the overall feedback and input from Young
Carers to develop a proposal to establish a Young Adult Carers (YAC) service for
Ceredigion providing;
YAC specific support groups
Links with schools and colleges, particularly to cover Transition phases
Opportunities for YAC to work/volunteer and gain valuable “adult”
experiences, normally not available
Training and development specific to the needs of YAC, including Digital
and On-line safety.
In many cases, understanding that they’re not alone and that support is available
has a massive impact on Young Carers, particularly addressing concerns of
isolation and loneliness.
3.5.2. Ceredigion Supported Breaks – Complex Needs
The Supported Sleepover/Day break is a partnership initiative with third sector
and statutory agencies. The outcomes and benefits to families is illustrated in the
feedback below;
The project is aimed at supporting children with complex needs to have a
‘supported sleepover or day break’ at an adapted bungalow in the county and /or
other locations in the community for supported activities, to enable the Parent
Carer to have a much needed break. The adapted bungalow has a sensory
“Thank you so much for arranging the two Uno sessions for X over the Easter
holidays. I confess I was looking at the 16 days of holidays with fear, as apart
from our Saturday morning sessions, there was nothing else to give X some
variety and me some rest. In the past this hasn't mattered as much. I take “X”
shopping with me (although I do my best to keep it quick and simple) and he and
I go out and about, so that he isn't ridiculously bored. But with my broken ankle,
healing slowly and still painful and above all slowing me down in terms of walking,
we just can't function as normal and “X” is extremely bored. “Y” is doing revision
at school most days, which further limits us as she needs transport to and from at
set times.
So having a longer session is lovely. “Y” and I went out for lunch for the first one
yesterday, and on Saturday are going to do lunch and shopping in Aberystwyth.
This is the sort of thing that most people take for granted but for us is a rare, rare
treat.” (Parent Carer)
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garden, established with the support of a further 3rd sector community group. The
additional Welsh Government funding enabled further breaks to be provided to
family Carers.
3.6. Respite and Carers breaks 2017/18 – Carmarthenshire
In Carmarthenshire, the Welsh Government Respite grant was utilised across a
wide range of areas to provide new and additional support for Carers, whether
adults or Young Carers and across varied cared for conditions.
3.6.1. One to One Care/Family Support Service (Hafal)
Hafal are commissioned to provide respite for Carers who look after people with
mental health conditions. The Respite Grant was used to enable Hafal to extend
the One to One service to Carers, understanding the personal circumstances. In
one particular case, the funding was utilised to provide an extended break for a
Young Carer and her father to visit prospective universities.
Hafal, through the Family Support Service, have also supported a Carer and her
daughter who is diagnosed Bipolar. The service arranged for the daughter to
attend weekly day services, increasing her independence and self-esteem, whilst
enabling the Carer to have time away from caring and pursue personal interests
and goals. The daughter’s condition has improved and is on the way to recovery,
and the personal relationships at home are dramatically better.
3.6.2. Carer / Cared for Events
A number of events were organised by Hafal such as a Christmas Lunch and
Afternoon Teas. This allowed Carers and their loved ones to socialise alongside
professional support. Whilst it provided a well-earned break for the Carers, it
also helped to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
3.6.3. Crossroad Carers Trust – 72hr Replacement Care
Open to Carers with long term caring commitments, the 72 Hour project provides
Carers with a significant break from their role, enabling them to focus on their
own health and well-being. In many cases, Carers are currently supported by a
few hours per week respite, when they need to cram normal, everyday chores
alongside critical self-care tasks.
Under this project, the extended respite provides Carers to get more meaningful
and productive time to focus on themselves. The following example highlights
that the Carer themselves have health and well-being needs.
“It has become clear that as a result of the joint events, the Cared-for
have become much more Carer aware and there has been evidence of
mutual respect”. (feedback from Hafal staff)
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3.6.4. Alzheimer’s Society, Carmarthenshire – Additional Day Care
An element of the Respite Grant was used to bolster the day care service
provided by the Alzheimer’s Society. At Ty Perthryn, people can be supported
and cared for, by professionals, allowing the Carer to get a break for a whole
day, giving them the opportunity to focus on their own health and Well-Being.
The case described below demonstrates the additional benefit the grant has
made;
4. Priorities for 2018/19
Carers and the Carers’ agenda has been established a priority within the Area Plan for
West Wales. The Regional Partnership Board has adopted Carers as an integral priority,
particularly recognising the cross-cutting impact across all its key initiatives. In support
of the prominence of this population group the RPB has appointed Sarah Jennings, the
Health Board Director of Partnerships and Corporate Services, as RPB sponsor and lead
for this area.
The West Wales Carers’ Development Group which includes representatives from
partner agencies, including Carers and the third sector, will continue to co-ordinate the
“Both my wife and my friend’s wife now come to Ty Perthyn
too,.. So, we go to play golf together – I haven’t been able
to leave my wife to do this for a long, long time. It’s
incredible how much better I feel being able to relax
knowing my wife is safe and happy.”
“Ms J, a 63 year old Carer looks after her 90 year old
mother who suffers with Dementia. Whilst there has been
on-going support for a number of years, Ms J was recently
diagnosed with cancer and initially refused treatment, due
to concerns at leaving her mother alone for long periods of
time. The project provided respite care and Ms J
underwent an Oncology procedure and is now recovering.
The respite care provided the additional confidence that
the Carer needed and allowed her to focus on her own
health, without worry or guilt”
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delivery of partnership actions on behalf of the Regional Partnership Board. The RPB
have recently approved the Delivery plan for 2018/19 which notably;
Addresses key requirements, gaps and improvements identified through the West
Wales Population Assessment
Responds to Ministerial priorities for supporting carers
Aligns with other RPB priorities and reflects the strategic objectives with the Area
Plan
Complements and integrates a range of Carers’ initiatives across the region,
including those funded through the Integrated Care Fund (ICF)
The Delivery plan has been designed collaboratively with partners and the core activity
for 2018/19 has been focused to enhance the lives of Carers across the region. In line
with the additional financial support provided by Welsh Government (confirmed as
£121k, including £10k ring-fenced for Young Carers), the Delivery Plan integrates the
three national priorities:
Supporting life alongside caring
Identifying and recognising Carers
Providing information, advice and assistance
There will be a renewed focus for the discharge from hospital/Transfer of Care, ensuring
both Cared for and Carer receive relevant and timely support through IAA and
sustainable service delivery improvements.
5. Conclusion
This Carers Annual Report has provided an overview of the wide range of activity which
has been on-going in West Wales to improve outcomes for Carers. The focus of the
report has been on the work lead via the West Wales Carers Development Group and
how the Welsh Government funding, both the transitional grant and respite grant, has
been utilised to support this work.
Carers are a fundamental focus within the West Wales Area Plan 2018-2023 which sets
out our communities needs across West Wales and how we will work in partnership to
respond to these. We are facing unprecedented changes in Health and Social Care and
with an aging population the number of Carers in the region is likely to increase. The
Regional Partnership Board is committed to working to deliver support for Carers in our
communities in new and innovative ways, and to ensure that the needs of Carers are
considered at every stage of their health and social care journey.