SOCIAL CARE, HEALTH AND HOUSING CABINET BOARD

REPORT OF THE HEAD OF COMMUNITY CARE

AND HOUSING SERVICES – C. MARCHANT

8TH

January 2015

SECTION A – MATTER FOR DECISION

WARD(S) AFFECTED: ALL

THE NEATH PORT TALBOT CARERS PARTNERSHIP - DRAFT JOINT

CARERS COMMISSIONING STRATEGY (2015-18)

Purpose of Report

To inform Members of the draft Joint Carers Commissioning Strategy (2015-18) and seek

approval to submit the draft document to 45 day public consultation.

Background

A Carer is someone of any age who provides unpaid support to family or friends who

could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend

who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.

Neath Port Talbot Carers Partnership Joint Carers Commissioning Strategy aims to address

the information and support needs of adult, young adult and young Carers who are resident

in Neath Port Talbot.

It is intended that this document be used by key partners to drive service planning and

commissioning. It describes the services required to support Adult Carers within Neath

Port Talbot to carry on caring for as long as they are willing and able to do so, in addition

to having a life of their own. It recognises the different needs and outcomes for Young

Carers and Young Adult Carers. It will also look at how through commissioning and

service development we can build on the achievement of the two previous Carers

Strategies and the work undertaken as a result of the Carers Measure.

The document explores the needs of Carers, the demand and supply of services and

analyses gaps in current provision. It also examines ways to develop services within the

context of current strategic direction from Welsh Government and a difficult local and

national economic climate.

This Strategy is a working document that will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that

it remains fit for purpose and focussed on the changing needs of Carers living in Neath

Port Talbot County Borough.

The Strategy has been developed by the Carers Strategy Group chaired by NPT CBC’s

Carers Champion. The group comprises representatives from the statutory sector (Neath

Port Talbot County Borough Council, ABMU, Job Centre Plus, The Pensions Service), the

voluntary sector (Carers Wales, Neath Port Talbot Carers Service, Neath Port Talbot

Council of Voluntary Services, Swansea Neath Port Talbot Crossroads) and unpaid Carers.

The draft Neath Port Talbot Joint Carers Commissioning Strategy for 2015-18 will also be

presented at the ABMU Local Management Team meeting in January 2015.

Monitoring the Strategy

A progress report will be produced annually and presented to the members of the Carers

Strategy group who will monitor progress and achievements.

The Consultation process

A consultation plan has been produced. The plan takes a systematic approach to informing

key stakeholders of the consultation and the means of providing feedback. The plan also

outlines the activities which will be undertaken in an attempt to reach stakeholders who

may have protected characteristics as outlined in the Equalities Act 2010.

Equality Impact Assessment

An Equality Impact Assessment has been completed on the consultation draft version of

Neath Port Talbot Joint Carers Commissioning Strategy.

Appendices

A. The draft consultation version of Neath Port Talbot Carers Partnership Joint Carers

Commissioning Strategy Document 2015 -18

B. Equality Impact Assessment for the Draft Joint Carers Commissioning Strategy

Document 2015 -18

Recommendation

Having given due regard to the Equality Impact Assessment, it is recommended that

Members approve the following:

To approve a 45 day public consultation for the draft Neath Port Talbot Joint Carers

Commissioning Strategy 2015-18.

Reason for Proposed Decision

This document builds on the achievements of the previous Neath Port Talbot Carers

Strategy documents. The current draft document aims to continue to provide strategic

direction for services for unpaid Carers from 2015 until 2018.

Subjecting the draft strategy document to public consultation will provide Carers and other

stakeholders an opportunity to examine the document and give comments. The final

version of the strategy will reflect feedback received during the consultation period.

List of Background Papers

None

Wards Affected

All

Officer Contact

Claire Marchant, Head of Community Care and Housing Services

Tel. No.: 01639 684710

E-mail: c.marchant@npt.gov.uk

Elizabeth Griffiths-Hughes , Service Development Officer

e.mail: e.griffiths-hughes@npt.gov.uk

Compliance Statement

THE NEATH PORT TALBOT CARERS PARTNERSHIP

DRAFT JOINT CARERS COMMISSIONING STRATEGY (2015-18)

(a) Implementation of Decision

The decision is proposed for implementation after the three day call-in period.

(b) Sustainability Appraisal

Community Plan Impacts

Economic Prosperity - No impact

Education & Lifelong Learning - No impact

Better Health and Well Being - Positive

Environment & Transport - No impact

Crime & Disorder - No impact

Other Impacts

Welsh Language - No impact

Sustainable Development - No impact

Equalities - Positive

Social Inclusion - Positive

(c) Consultation

The proposed new policy has been subject to a 45-day public consultation

Appendix A

NEATH PORT TALBOT CARERS

PARTNERSHIP

JOINT CARERS

COMMISSIONING

STRATEGY

2015-2018

DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION

FOREWORD

By providing support, the 20,365* Carers in Neath Port Talbot enable disabled, ill,

frail and vulnerable citizens to live where they want to, at home in the

neighbourhood they are familiar with. The impact Carers have on the quality of life

of the individuals they care for is immeasurable, as is the contribution they make to

society. We are aware that as the complexity of need and the numbers of people

requiring assistance increases so does the potential consequences for the quality

of life of their Carers.

It is therefore crucial that partner organisations in Neath Port Talbot work together

to recognise, value and support Carers. The purpose of this document is to

provide a framework for this work over the next three years. The NPT Carers

Partnership Joint Carers Commissioning Strategy will build on the successes of

the previous local Carers strategies and the recent ABMU wide Valuing Carers

Strategy. At a ‘Have your Say’ event in 2014 a number of Carers said that they

have seen improvements in recognition, accessing information and involvement

but we want all Carers to experience this.

As Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (NPT CBC) Carers Champion and

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board (ABMU) Carers Champion we

will be taking a keen interest in the delivery of actions within this document. We

are mindful of the changes which will come with the enactment of the Social

Services and Well-being Act in 2016. This strategy will be modified accordingly.

We will continue to listen to Carers and ensure that the strategy continues to

reflect the voices of Carers in the locality.

Cllr. John Rogers Chantal Patel

Carers Champion Carers Champion

NPT CBC ABMU

1. INTRODUCTION

Neath Port Talbot Carers Partnership Joint Carers Commissioning Strategy aims

to address the information and support needs of adult, young adult and young

Carers who are resident in Neath Port Talbot.

It is intended that this document be used by key partners to drive service planning

and commissioning. It describes the services required to support Adult Carers

within Neath Port Talbot to carry on caring for as long as they are willing and able

to do so, in addition to having a life of their own. It recognises the different needs

and outcomes for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. It will also look at how

through commissioning and service development we can build on the achievement

of the two previous Carers Strategies and the work undertaken as a result of the

Carers Measure.

The document explores the needs of Carers, the demand and supply of services

and analyses gaps in current provision. It also examines ways to develop services

within the context of current strategic direction from Welsh Government and a

difficult local and national economic climate.

This Strategy is a working document that will be reviewed on a regular basis to

ensure that it remains fit for purpose and focussed on the changing needs of

Carers living in the Neath Port Talbot County Borough area.

Who are Carers?

There is a distinction between Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Both

groups of Carers are at a different developmental stage in their lives; one are

legally ‘children’ and the other are legally ‘adults’; and while they have

experiences and needs that are similar there are also important differences

which should be considered. For example transition to further or higher

education or employment

and needs that are similar there are also important differences which should

be considered for example transition to further or higher education or

employment

Young Carers are children and

young people who provide care

and support for a family member

who is disabled, physically or

mentally ill, or is affected by

substance misuse.*

Young Adult Carers are aged

between 18 and 25. Some will have

been Young Carers for many years

and others will be taking on a caring

role for the first time*

A Carer is someone of any age who provides unpaid support to family or

friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a

relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or

substance misuse problems

Carers do not see themselves as Carers but more as parents, husbands,

wives, partners, siblings, friends or neighbours

Carers come from

all walks of life,

they can be any

age, any gender,

and from any

culture

Carers are a

diverse group of

people and have

different needs

and demands on

their time

The Carer does

not have to live

with the person

they care for to be

considered a

Carer and the care

they provide is

unpaid

The Case for recognising and supporting Carers

The vast majority of ‘Care in the Community’ is provided by unpaid Carers.

Carers play an essential role in supporting people with care needs, providing the

majority of care in the community. The Care at Home report (1) produced in 2010

by the Care Council of Wales states

‘96% of annual care hours in Wales are provided by unpaid Carers, with the

remaining 4% provided by local authorities and independent providers’.

Carers contribute to the economy

In financial terms, Carers UK and The University of Leeds have calculated that in

2009 -10, the economic value of the contribution made by Carers in the UK was

£119 billion per year. This equates to £461.9 million per annum in Neath Port

Talbot. (2)

Many of us will become Carers

Over a lifetime, seven out of ten women will be Carers, and nearly six out of ten

men. (3).

Providing high levels of unpaid Care may have a detrimental effect on the

physical and mental health of the Carer

“Men and Women across English regions and Wales are between 2 and 3 times

more likely to have ‘Not Good’ general health if they are providing 50 hours or

more unpaid care per week than if they provide no unpaid care”.(4)

Carers are often disadvantaged financially

“The rising cost of living, the extra costs associated with providing care, the limited

earning potential of many Carers as well as the impact of welfare changes can

create financial difficulties for Carers and their families.” (5)

Many Carers feel isolated and excluded from their communities

“Carers can become extremely isolated especially if they are giving unsupported

round the clock care. This makes it difficult for Carers to get out of the house to

meet up with either friends or family. As financial and physical pressures of caring

increase mental health and wellbeing is a growing concern.”(6)

2. HOW THE STRATEGY WAS DEVELOPED

The Neath Port Talbot Carers Partnership Joint Carers Commissioning Strategy

2015 – 2018 has been produced by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council,

Neath Port Talbot Carers Service, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Health Board, 3rd

Sector and Statutory organisations operating in the locality and Carers

representatives. It is intended to be used within these organisations to drive

service planning and commissioning of services required to support unpaid Carers

within Neath Port Talbot.

A draft version of the strategy document will be subject to public consultation. The

final version will reflect the feedback received.

How this Strategy links with other local strategies

This Strategy should be read in conjunction with other Neath Port Talbot Council

Commissioning Strategies for example, Older Persons’ Services Commissioning

Strategy, People of Working Age with Physical Disabilities (including sensory

impairment), Learning Disability, and Mental Health strategies. It should also be

considered within the context of the Council’s policy for older people’s services

‘Choices for living for Life’ and Neath Port Talbot Working in Partnership Single

Integrated Plan 2013 – 2023. In addition, ABMU Carers Partnership document

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Carers Partnership Valuing Carers - Carers Information

and Consultation Strategy 2013 – 2016 should be viewed as a complementary

document.

3. RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION FEEDBACK

To be completed after Scrutiny/ Committee approval to consult.

4. THE AIMS OF THE STRATEGY

The aim of this strategy is to provide a framework to ensure that the design,

development and delivery of services:

Improve the quality of life for Carers and the people they care for.

Promote inclusion by providing support to Carers to ensure they are not

denied the life chances available to other residents of Neath Port Talbot.

Enable Carers to have a life of their own away from their caring

responsibilities.

5. VISION, VALUES AND OUTCOMES

The purpose of the document Connecting People and Communities A Policy for

Transforming Social Care in Neath Port Talbot is to update the Neath Port Talbot

County Borough Council’s (NPTCBC) policy for supporting people with social care

needs in the community. This policy confirms the Council’s vision, agreed in 2002,

that “the principle aim of the policy for social care is to enable vulnerable people

who require care and support to live fulfilled lives within their own homes, in touch

with their families and in proximity to all that has been familiar to them throughout

their lives”. This policy will underpin the transformation of social care and well-

being, housing, and support services for adults in Neath Port Talbot.’

In referring to Carers it states,

…People with long-term illnesses or conditions will be supported in

managing their own medical needs and in becoming “expert patients” and

Carers in becoming “Expert Carers”. Unpaid Carers will be recognised for

the contribution they make and should be considered as ‘partners in care’

alongside paid staff. Carers in NPT will be supported to have part of their

lives away from caring…

Values

We recognise that Carers in Neath Port Talbot are not all the same, within this

population there is a great diversity. In addition to caring, individuals also have

other demands such as managing work, raising a family, living with a disability

themselves, caring for more than one person, or attending school, or college.

Carers from Black Minority Ethnic (BME) communities may also experience

prejudice and discrimination. Carers of people who experience mental illness or

substance misuse issues may face having to deal with the stigma which continues

to be associated with the conditions. We will work non-judgementally with Carers

in a way which respects and maintains their autonomy and assist them to

overcome barriers to accessing appropriate support.

Outcomes

In summing up we want to ensure that every Carer:

A. Is recognised and valued for the contribution they make.

B. Is aware that Carers have rights.

C. Is able to access high quality information and advice.

D. Is treated as an individual who’s dignity and choice is respected.

E. Is not subjected to discrimination, prejudice or abuse.

F. Experiences a timely, joined-up approach when he/she requires support.

G. Receive services that are safe, efficient and effective from appropriately

trained staff.

H. Is supported as far as possible to have a life of their own.

I. Is supported to provide care as long as they are able and willing to do so.

(Adult Carers)

We want to ensure that Young Carers:

J. are supported and protected from inappropriate levels of caring, and have

the support they need to learn, develop and enjoy a positive childhood

Outcomes for making the best use of resources

We want to ensure that we:

K. Supply safe, efficient and effective services which in addition to providing

value for money focus on respectfully supporting individuals in meeting their

specified outcomes.

6. POLICY CONTEXT

National Direction

Strategy and policy documents from Welsh Government and Acts of Parliament

provided the framework and impetus for organisations throughout Wales to

engage with and provide support to unpaid Carers.

The Welsh Government Carers Strategy 2013 outlines the key actions the

Welsh Government will undertake up to 2016 to support Carers. The five priority

areas within the document are:-

1. Health and Social Care.

2. Identification, information and Consultation.

3. Young Carers and Young Adult Carers.

4. Support and a life outside of the caring role.

5. Carers and Employment.

The Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure 2010 introduced new legal duties on the

NHS and Local Authorities in Wales to work together and in consultation with

Carers to prepare, publish and implement a joint Carers Information and

Consultation Strategy. The Measure encompasses Carers of all ages, including

young Carers (under the age of 18) and young adult Carers. The partnerships will

not only be with social services in the local authority but also include other areas,

such as housing, education, leisure etc, and the third and private sectors. The

overall intention of the Measure is to improve the lives of Carers in the following

key areas:

• Develop local information strategies that will ensure Carers get "appropriate

information and advice".

• Actively engage with and involve Carers when making decisions about the

provision of services to or for Carers or the person cared for.

• Consult about the planning, commissioning and delivery of local services

that affect Carers or the people they look after.

Local Direction

The Vision for Neath Port Talbot in the Single Integrated Plan is ‘Creating a Neath

Port Talbot where everyone has an equal chance to be healthier, happier, safer

and prosperous’. This means that over the next 10 years, partners will work

towards this vision so that:

• People in Neath Port Talbot are physically and emotionally healthy.

• People in Neath Port Talbot are independent and enjoy a good quality of life.

• People in Neath Port Talbot “feel safe and are safe”.

• Neath Port Talbot’s communities and environment are sustainable.

• Neath Port Talbot has a strong and prosperous economy leading to reduced

poverty.

• People in Neath Port Talbot fulfil their learning potential.

Connecting People and Communities - A Social Care Policy for Transforming

Social Care In Neath Port Talbot 2013 – 2018 (see p.7)

NPT CBC Draft New Social Work Model – NPT CBC are looking at developing a

model of social work in line with ‘Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.

The model promotes good relationships involving robust dialogue and

conversations with people so that we can understand what their strengths and

skills are, what resources and support they have in their families and friends and

what resources there are in the community that can help to achieve their goals.

Valuing Carers – ABMU Carers Information and Consultation Strategy ABMU

Health Board in partnership with Swansea, Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot Local

Authorities and 3rd sector organisations in the localities have produced a strategy

which outlines how they would work together to the benefit of Carers in line with

the requirements of the Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure. ABMU Health Board

received funding from Welsh Government to action the strategy.

Acts of Parliament – up to March 2016

Currently the rights of Carers are enshrined in the legislation produced by the UK

government, namely,

Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995.

Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000.

Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004.

From April 2016, Carers rights will be included as part of the Social Services and

Wellbeing Act (Wales) 2014. This strategy will be updated, if necessary, to take

account of any requirements which may arise as a result of the Act and any

regulations underpinning the Act.

7. NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Statistics about Carers in Neath Port Talbot

The 2011 census included questions about caring responsibilities. The results

provide useful information about Carers, and more specifically Carers in Neath

Port Talbot . This enables us to put Carers in context of the general population and

allows comparisons between areas.

UK wide, approximately 1 in 10 of the population is a Carer. In Neath Port Talbot

this is around 1 in 8. Since the 2001 Census there has been an 8% increase in the

number of citizens of Neath Port Talbot who identify themselves as Carers.

In Wales in 2011 Neath Port Talbot was the authority with the largest percentage

of its population providing unpaid care at 14.6 per cent, higher than any authority

in England; Cardiff had the lowest at 10.1 per cent, representing a difference of 4.5

percentage points. Source: Office of National Statistics.

2011 Census Data Source: Office of National Statistics

20,365 people in Neath Port Talbot stated they were Carers

56% female 44% male

10,379 provide 1 to 19

hours of care

3,273 provide 20 - 49

hours of care

6,708 provide over 50

hours of care a week

(33% of total)

Around half of Carers

are working

(n=10,058)

Over a quarter are

retired (n=5,963)

98.9% of Carers in

NPT described their

Ethnicity as ‘White’

392 children under the

age of 15 were

recorded as Carers

1,237 young people

aged between 16

years and 24 years

were Carers

58% of Carers are aged over 50 years, almost a quarter of

Carers were aged 65 and over

Daffodil the Welsh Government data projection website estimate that by

2015 there will be 21,645 Carers in Neath Port Talbot, increasing to 21,692 in 2020.

The Views of Carers in Neath Port Talbot

Over the last 6 months the views of Adult Carers in Neath and Port Talbot have

been sought through a questionnaire and a ‘Have your Say’ event. With over

20,000 Carers in the locality, the views expressed are a ‘snap shot’ of the opinions

of those who participated in the surveys. However, we have no evidence to

suggest that these views are in any way significantly different from the sentiments

of the wider community of Carers, as they are broadly consistent with the findings

from national Carers surveys. Responses have been grouped into the main

themes outlined in Carers Strategy for Wales.

Identification, Information and Consultation

Identification - Many people who undertake a caring role do not recognise

themselves as a ‘Carer’. Rather they see the role as an extension of the

relationship they have with the person they support. About a third of respondents

at the ‘Have your Say’ event only saw themselves as a Carer when someone else

suggested it to them.

There was a feeling that awareness about Carers and the issues they faced had

increased in the last three years.

Family, friends and neighbours were the main groups who recognised Carers’ role

followed by Health and Social Services/ care staff.

There continues to be a mixed response when Carers are asked whether they are

treated with respect and listened to. Carers feel that there is inconsistency. Some

feeling that this happens most of the time and others stating it ‘hardly ever’ or

‘never’ happens.

Information - On the whole, Carers felt that it was easier to access the right

information at the right time, compared to 3 years ago, however a significant

number of Carers continued to have difficulty in accessing the information they

needed.

The types of information required was very broad, with accessing information

about support services and the condition experience by the person being cared for

or services for Carers topping the list. This was closely followed by information

about finances and benefits and Carers Rights.

On the whole, Carers do not have a preference on the source of information. Many

named the Carers Service as meeting their information needs. There was

recognition of the need to get specific information from specialist services for

example Health or Social Services.

Carers prefer to have information face to face or via a newsletter or leaflet.

Carers Rights – The Carers Service was the primary source of information about

Carers Rights.

Consultation - Carers felt that they had more involvement in planning Social

Services for the person they cared for, compared to Health Services. However,

there were a considerable number of Carers who felt neither organisation had

involved them.

The majority of Carers were of the opinion that Carer involvement in service

development is very important. An equal number of Carers would be happy to be

involved as those who are not in a position to participate. Having support at

meetings would help people get involved. The primary reason Carers gave as

being unable to participate is lack of time followed by lack of confidence.

Carers prefer to share their views ‘face to face’ at ‘Have your Say’ events, support

groups or meetings with paid staff.

Health and social care

The majority (79%) of respondents to the survey conducted during the summer of

2014 spend over 50 hours per week caring. People used phrases such as “always

on call”, “Always with him day & night” and “I am ‘on call’ 7 days a week”. More

than half of Carers stated they are stressed or sometimes stressed. In response to

the question about what may help, comments included needing a break,

counselling, information, someone to talk to and support. Some Carers didn’t know

what would help them.

Stress Management was the most popular choice if training were available.

Although only small numbers of Carers would like training they also identified

anxiety management, basic First Aid, manual handling and dementia awareness

as possible subject areas.

The main reason Carers gave for possibly being unable to continue caring into the

future was being physically unable to continue in the role.

Most Carers could not imagine giving up caring.

Three themes were identified by Carers as being most helpful in supporting them

to continue caring, these were - having the right support for the person being

cared for, having access to services which support Carers and having a regular

break from caring.

Support and a life outside of the caring role

At the ‘Have your Say’ event, half of the attendees stated that they did not have

regular contact with any service (it should be noted that attendees were in contact

with the Carers Service). About a quarter have contact with Health services and

the remaining quarter had contact with Social Services.

There wasn’t a clear picture about whether Carers felt they could access help and

support now compared to 3 years ago. The same number of Carers felt that there

hadn’t been a change, as those who felt there had.

Training for Carers - Some Carers felt that they would benefit from training. This

could be broken down roughly into training which would be of benefit to

themselves for example confidence building, training on managing the condition of

the person they care for e.g. dementia awareness and practical skills training such

as using a computer.

The types of support Carers value are having the right services in place for the

person they care for, having services for themselves and having a break from the

caring role.

Carers Assessment – At the ‘Have your Say’ event in 2014, 19% of Carers who

attended said they had a Carers Assessment. However there still a significant

percentage (25%) of Carers who did not know what a Carers Assessment was.

Carers and Employment

Approximately half of Carers stated that they neither agreed nor disagreed with the

statement ‘that there is more support for Carers with employment, education and

leisure activities now that there was 3 years ago’. However, a third of Carers felt

that there was more support.

A few Carers thought that being able to start or continue working or studying would

help them continue in their caring role.

Young Carers

Around the same number of Adult Carers who participated in the ‘Have your Say

event’ felt that there has been an increase in awareness of Young Carers, as

those who felt there was no change.

The views of Young Carers have also been obtained through young Carers art

residential event organised by the ABMU Carers Partnership, the purpose of which

was for Young Carers to explore different creative ways of describing what life is

like for them, including the issues and challenges they face. The Young Carers

created a short film to convey the message that they were children and young

people too, and that their caring roles left them little time to be children.

8. SERVICE REVIEW

This service review seeks to identify and map provision within the Neath Port

Talbot, which currently supply care and support services to Carers. The aim of this

review is to establish what activity is being carried out and by whom.

Services for people who are ‘cared for’ which may benefit Carers

Social Services provide information, advice and signposting. They also provide

assessments to people with care needs. As a result of the assessment, and where

the person’s needs meet Neath Port Talbot Council’s eligibility criteria, a care/

support plan will be drawn up with the person to record the actions / services

required in meeting their stated outcomes. Many Carers find that their caring roles

lessen when the person they care for has alternative support.

The types of support provided will be dependent on the needs of the adult.

Support options include domiciliary care - assistance with personal care; daytime

activities; supported employment opportunities; equipment - to help with everyday

tasks; adaptations to the home - such as handrails or ramps; Assistive Technology

- which uses sensors and detectors in the home to raise an alert if, for example

they detect a possible problem such as a fall, flooding, smoke or the gas being left

on; Direct Payments for people to arrange their own care.

Where the need for a sitting services has been identified, this is provided through

a ‘brokerage system’ by a domiciliary care provider. Sessions can be provided as

a one-off or on an on-going basis.

A new ‘State of the Art’ residential respite/ short break facility opened in 2014.

Carers Assessment

The NPT CBC has a duty to offer Carers who provide or intend to provide a

substantial amount of care on a regular basis a Carers Assessment. All Carers in

Adult services who meet these criteria are offered a Carers Assessment.

Approximately 2 out of 10 Carers take up the offer. During 2014 an action plan has

been devised to encourage more Carers to participate in Carers Assessment. In

2012, NPT Carers Service ran a pilot project to carry out some Carers

Assessments with the Older Person’s Mental Health Social Work Team and Older

Person’s Social Work Team. As there was a very positive response, this was

included in the Service Level Agreement.

Services for Carers

The primary service for Carers in Neath Port Talbot is NPT Carers Service

Neath Port Talbot Carers Service Limited is funded by Neath Port Talbot Social

Services and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board to provide locally

accessible support, advice and information and to enable Carers to voice their

needs in an effective manner. The service is available to support/ signpost adult

Carers within the County Borough who provide unpaid care to a person

experiencing one or more of the following conditions:- physical or sensory

disabilities, terminal illness, long-term conditions, learning disability, mental illness,

drug/alcohol dependency or older frail persons.

The activities undertaken by the Carers Service and funded by NPT CBC and

ABMU include:

• providing information, newsletters, advice, emotional support and informal

advocacy to individual Carers

• contributing to periodic user consultation processes.

• liaising with workers from the statutory and voluntary sector.

• Being available by telephone during normal working hours.

• Engaging with GP surgeries/practice managers.

• Maintaining quarterly outreach and information services in all G.P. surgeries

and other community venues.

• Undertaking public education work and work to publicise the services

available through the Carers Service.

• facilitating consultation between Carers and the statutory authorities.

• Helping Carers to maximise income through Carers Allowance and other

benefits.

• Assisting the Older Persons and Older Persons Mental Health Social work

teams by conducting Carers Assessments.

NPT Carers Service Big Lottery Project

The Big Lottery “Development and Outreach Project” started November 2011. As

part of this project the Carers Service offer regular activities and events for Carers

( including transport and replacement care where required) with the aim of

providing a break from caring, reducing isolation, offering information and support.

Another aspect of this project is working with Carers who are ‘harder to reach’,

specifically young adult Carers, Carers from Black Minority Ethnic Communities,

Carers of people who experience mental illness and Carers who support

individuals with substance misuse issues.

The lottery funding will finish in March 2015, but the Carers Service has secured

alternative funding to maintain the work of the project until March 2016.

There has been a substantial increase in the demand and outputs of the Carers

Service since its inception in 2009. For example, contact with Carers to provide

information, support and signposting, attendance at activities and events was 615

in 2009-2010; in 2013-14 this stood at 2125. The total number of Carers on the

database as of 31st March 2014 was 2550.

ABMU Health Board Carers Measure Strategy

The Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure was introduced in January 2010 and

come in to force on 1 January 2012. ABMU in partnership with Swansea, Bridgend

and Neath Port Talbot Local Authorities and 3rd sector organisations in the

localities produced a strategy which outlines how they would work together to the

benefit of Carers in line with the requirements of the Measure. ABMU received

funding from Welsh Government to action the strategy. In Neath Port Talbot

locality the following activities took place during 2013/14:

A Support Worker from NPT Carers Service has been seconded to the

Community Intermediate Care team as a pilot project. The Support Worker

has work directly with the team to provide information packs, advice and

support on benefit entitlements, arrange for Carers assessments to be

carried out (either by Social Services or the Carers Service) provided

emotional support and signposting to other third sector organisations such as

illness specific or counselling services.

A questionnaire was distributed to Carers to identify their information needs

(in conjunction with NPT Carers Service).

An ABMU radio advert campaign with the strapline ‘‘You care for them. But

who cares for you?’ was run for one week commencing 24th March 2014 on

Swansea Sound, the Wave and Bridge FM.

Lanyards with the strap line ‘Valuing Carers – Think Unpaid Carers’ have

been distributed to staff across the Partnership, 3rd sector and other

organisations.

A young Carers Information booklet was produced and copies distributed

including to GP Practices in NPT (in conjunction with NPT Young Carers

Project).

A postcard with QR link to online Young Carers Booklet was produced.

Young Carers Arts residential with neighbouring localities (in conjunction with

NPT Young Carers Service and SNPT Crossroads).

A Multiagency conference focusing on issues faced by Young Carers was

held (in conjunction with NPT Young Carers Service and SNPT Crossroads).

A Carers Forum to ensure Carers’ engagement was set up to disseminate

information relevant to Carers. (In conjunction with Neath Port Talbot Council

Voluntary Services).

A conference focusing on mental health issues (with MIND Cymru) was held.

As a pilot, a Carers Support Worker was based 7 hours a week for 8 weeks

with NHS staff in NPT Hospital Out Patients Department (OPD) and NPT

Hospital Elderly Day Unit (EDU).

A pilot of the Carer Aware e-learning package was run ( in conjunction with

NPT CBC and BCBC).

It is anticipated that funding to enact activities with ABMU’s Carers Partnership

Strategy will be available from Welsh Government until March 2016.

Other ABMU Health Board Services which benefit Carers include:-

‘Looking After Me’ - EPP Cymru runs a course specifically for those people who

care for someone else with a long term health condition. The course is called

'Looking After Me' and helps Carers to learn ways in which they can look after their

own health needs whilst they are caring for another person and to cope with that

caring situation. It also helps develop the confidence for them to take greater

control of their lives and it gives an opportunity to meet with others who share

similar experiences.

The course is open to any adult who is a Carer (they do not need to have a

condition themselves to attend this course). It is run in the local community and is

led by two volunteer tutors who themselves have experience of caring

Third Sector Activities in Neath Port Talbot

Crossroads Care Swansea Neath Port Talbot provides support to Young Carers

via the Young Carers project.

Cruse Bereavement Care has been providing support to individual Carers and

has worked in partnership with NPT Carers Service in supporting bereaved

Carers.

Alzheimer’s Society work with people who have dementia and their Carers and

Families. In Neath Port Talbot they provide a range of services some

commissioned by statutory services others such as advocacy are funded by the

Big Lottery.

There are a range of other 3rd sector and community organisations particular

those with a focus on health and well-being who directly or indirectly provide

information and support to Carers. Many of these organisations are funded from

non-statutory sources such as grant making trust, Big Lottery etc.

There are also a number of Carer support groups.

9. GAP ANALYSIS, SERVICE DEVELOPMENT AND

FUTURE PROVISION

The following ‘gaps’ have been identified as priorities areas for development

locally based on:

Evidence gathered for the needs assessment – Carers feedback

Current and future numbers of unpaid Carers.

The Carers Strategy for Wales and Current Carers legislation.

The proposed transformation of social care in Wales which will result from

the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014.

Modifications in the way Carers are identified, involved and are provided with

information, outlined in ABMU wide ‘Valuing Carers’ Strategy (the local

response to the Carers (Strategies) Wales Measure.

Connecting People and Communities - A Social Care Policy for

Transforming Social Care In Neath Port Talbot 2013 – 2018.

NPT CBC Draft New Social Work Model.

Outcomes

For Carers

In summing up we want to ensure that every Carer

A. Is recognised and valued for the contribution they make.

B. Is aware that Carers have rights.

C. Is able to access high quality information and advice.

D. Is treated as an individual who’s dignity and choice is respected.

E. Is not subjected to discrimination, prejudice or abuse.

F. Experiences a timely, joined-up approach when he/she requires support.

G. Receives services that are safe, efficient and effective from appropriately

trained staff.

H. Is supported as far as possible to have a life of their own.

I. Is supported to provide care as long as they are able and willing to do so.

We want to ensure that Young Carers: J. are supported and protected from inappropriate levels of caring, and have

the support they need to learn, develop and enjoy a positive childhood

For making the best use of resources We want to ensure that we

J. Supply safe, efficient and effective services which in addition to providing

value for money focus on respectfully supporting individuals in meeting

their specified outcomes.

Service Development

Identification, Information and Consultation

Link specifically to outcomes A B C D E F H I K

Carers want Partnership staff to recognise their role, to provide the right

information at the right time (or signpost them); to tell them about services which

may be available to themselves or the person they care for. Carers wish to be

listened to and to be acknowledged. Carers said that they want to be routinely

involved in planning services for the person they support and they want to have a

say on service development, to have contact with people who are accountable.

Recommendation for future Service Development/ Provision

Identification

‘Carers information’ is a key induction document for Health and Local

Authority staff.

Carer Aware e-learning programme and Young Carer Aware e-learning

programme is available to staff and volunteers in partner organisations.

Staff training programmes include specific training on Carers Issues.

Awareness raising and training sessions is available to GP Practices.

To recruit more ‘Carers Champions’ within teams in each Partner

organisation to promote the rights of Carers, ensure Carer recognition,

understand their needs and signpost to appropriate information, advice and

support.

NPT Young Carers Forum will continue to raise awareness with schools and

other organisations that have contact with children and young people.

Information

Place information of relevance to Carers in community venues e.g. libraries,

Health Centres, Community Centres, shops, pharmacies and hospitals.

Promote NPT Carers Service as a ‘one stop shop’ for information.

NPT Carers Service maintains regular round of information stands at local

venues.

Keep ‘Carers pages’ on NPT Carers Partnership participants websites

relevant and update a minimum of twice annually.

Provide quarterly e-mail updates to Health and Social Work Teams on

Carers issues.

Consultation

NPT CBC Social Work Team members will endeavour to engage with the

Carer when they are planning services for the person they care for (unless

this is not appropriate).

Other partner agencies including NHS staff are aware of and will continue to

meet the ‘engagement’ requirements of the Carers (Strategies) Measure

Wales.

Continue to provide regular engagement opportunities for Carers through

NPT CBC organised coffee mornings.

Provide information, newsletters or bulletins to Carers when there are

significant proposals to change Social Care services for adults.

Provide a range of ways in which Carers can respond to NPT CBC Social

Services and other relevant consultations e.g., ‘Have your Say’ events, What

matters…? surveys, questionnaires, on-line.

Every other year conduct a survey or hold a specific event for Carers/ who

supports an adult user of Social Services.

Every other year conduct a survey/ or hold a specific event for Carers who

access NPT Carers service (opposite year to above).

Provide information about relevant local, Wales and UK wide consultations in

NPT Carers Service quarterly newsletter.

Provide consultation feedback to Carers by newsletter, meetings or on-line.

Through NPT Health and Wellbeing Forum inform local support groups that

key staff from Partnership organisations are keen to be invited to attend to

provide information updates.

Promote opportunities for Carer representatives at planning/ strategy groups.

Offer support to enable Carer representatives to participate in the above e.g.

training, cover costs of transport/ alternative care.

Health, Social Care and Well-being

Link specifically to outcomes C D E F G H I K

National surveys and feedback from Carers in NPT indicate that caring particularly

at high level may have an adverse effect on the physical and/or mental well–being

of the Carer. In order to promote the well-being of Carers a partnership approach

is essential, particularly with colleagues in health.

Recommendation for future Service Development/ Provision

Awareness raising of Carers issues continues with staff at GP Surgeries and

Health Centres in Neath Port Talbot.

Carers are made aware that they are one of the key groups who are eligible

for free flu vaccination.

Carers are made aware of generic initiatives available in NPT which aim to

combat stress e.g. bibliotherapy and Stress pac/ stress control.

NPT Carers Service will arrange at least one health and well-being event

annually. (Include in Service level agreement).

Carers Assessments include a section which assists the Carer to consider

their own health.

Explore the possibility of adopting the Community Pharmacy Wales and

Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board Carers medicines management

booklet.

Arrange ‘taster’ training sessions for Carers on manual handling, confidence

building or other sessions that groups of Carers have identified.

NPT Carers Service to continue to provide regular events to reduce Carers

isolation and to create opportunities for mutual support and friendships.

NPT Carers service to continue providing ‘a listening ear’ and emotional

support.

Support and a life outside of the caring role

Link specifically to outcomes A B C D E F H IK

Carers want staff to be more proactive in supporting them to meet their needs.

Carers have identified the importance of having a break from their caring role.

Carers felt these need to be flexible and tailored to meet individual needs and

provided in a variety of ways e.g. at or away from home, during the day or

overnight, for a few hours or for a few weeks. Breaks away from caring should be

flexible and benefit both the Carer and the person they support.

Although Carers of adults in contact with Social Services are offered a Carers

Assessment few take up the opportunity. Feedback from Carers indicates that

there is still a gap in understanding what a Carers Assessment is. Most Carers

who have had a Carers Assessment are positive about the experience, citing the

opportunity to talk, being listened to and having their role acknowledged as

important.

Recommendation for future Service Development/ Provision

Social Workers continue to offer, take time to explain Carers Assessment

and leave information with the Carer about Carers Assessment.

Carers Assessment training is mandatory for all Adult Social Workers.

NPT Carers Service continues to provide information about Carers

Assessment in their information packs.

NPT Carers Service continues to support specific Social Work Teams (as

specified in SLA) by conducting an agreed number of Carers Assessments.

Explore promoting and providing Carers Assessments for Parent Carers with

Children’s Services.

NPT CBC will continue to comply with the duty to assess Carers as defined

within current legislation and the future Social Services and Well-being Act

2014.

Support

Maintain a specific Carers Service. The service will offer information, support

and activity to any adult in Neath Port Talbot who has a caring responsibility.

Continue to include the Carer when planning services for the person they

care for as Carers may benefit when alternative care or activities are

provided.

Continue to make available the Carer Emergency Card for Carers as an

outcome where Carers have identified a related need in their Carers

Assessment.

Provide or signpost Carers taster training sessions on topics which they

have identified as important e.g. IT Skills, First Aid etc.

Provide support to bereaved Carers.

A Break from Caring

When an eligible need has been identified provide opportunities for adults

with care needs to have overnight (respite) short break.

Where an eligible need has been identified provide opportunities for adults

with care needs to have a sitting service at home.

For equity and flexibility use NPT CBC’s Short Breaks allocation tool to

ensure that the number of nights’ short break/ respite allocated is based on

the level of need of the individual and/ or their Carer.

Promote the use of Direct Payments for Short-breaks/respite with people

with eligible needs.

Explore opportunity to develop ‘low level’ sitting service for adults with Care

needs, allowing Carers to have a break away from home ( (externally funded

- NPT Carers Service).

NPT Carers service to continue to provide activities that Carers value e.g.

coffee mornings etc, allowing them time away from their caring role (

(externally funded).

Pilot health and well-being activities for Carers and the people they care for.

Promote opportunities to access community education and activities at

Community Centres.

Young Carers and Young Adult Carers

Young Carers are involved in providing a broad range of care, support or

assistance. Because of their caring role, a Young Carer may find that their life is

different from the lives of others of the same age. Being a Young Carer can have

an impact on education and mental well-being. Young Carers want to be listened

to, and want more time to be able to do things which are important to them.

Young adult Carers have different needs to Young Carers. Many are in a period of

transition considering higher or further education, employment or training.

Link specifically to outcomes J and A B C D E F H I

Recommendation for future Service Development/ Provision

Young Carers

Refresh the Young Carers Forum Strategy and Action Plan.

Children’s Services consider how Young Carers are assessed.

Provision of Young Carers support through independent young Carers

service.

Devise a strategy for gathering the views of young Carers, informing service

development and provide feedback.

Update the Protocol for Identifying, Assessing and supporting Young Carers.

Continue to make information available to Young Carers via the Family

information service.

Provide Young Carers information to school – Young Carers booklet,

information poster and postcard.

Encourage schools to use the Young Carers board game as a catalyst for

discussion and awareness raising at PSE lessons and school assembly.

Promote the Young Carers Aware e-learning package to staff who have

contact with children and young people.

Young Adult Carers

NPT Carers Service to continue to provide a dedicated support service for

Young Adult Carers – via external funding.

10. MONITORING THE STRATEGY

Partner organisations will be asked to provide updates to the Carers Strategy

Group on a quarterly basis. Where new legislation or national strategies which

impact on Carers come into being, the Carers Strategy Group will review this

document and update as necessary.

The Carers Strategy Group will review the overall Strategy yearly and evaluate

progress; this will reflect feedback from Carers. An annual progress report will be

produced. Carers and other stakeholders will be actively involved in evaluating the

achievements of the strategy at the end of the three year period.

11. REFERENCES

Definition of Young Carers

http://www.youngCarerstoolkit.co.uk/

1.Care Council for Wales – Care at Home

www.ccwales.org.uk/edrms/87472/

2.Valuing Carers 2011 http://circle.leeds.ac.uk/files/2012/08/110512-circle-Carers-uk-valuing-Carers.pdf

3. It could be you Carers UK 2002

4.2011 Census - unpaid care snapshot

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/census/2011/Carers-week/index.html

5. The State of Caring 2014, Carers UK

http://socialwelfare.bl.uk/subject-areas/services-activity/social-work-care-services/Carersuk/162616uk4067-state-of-caring-2014.pdf

6. Prepared to Care, Carers Week 2013

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.Carersweek.org%2Fabout-Carers%2Ffacts-about-caring%2Fitem%2Fdownload%2F2_b8ec83feb6711177acbaa947deb88891&ei=giJiVL1FhdqwBKuGgZgO&usg=AFQjCNHhN9fr9ytb125bVH_OSYrnYlHlXQ&bvm=bv.79189006,d.cWc

NPT Single Integrated Plan http://www.npt.gov.uk/pdf/SIP_2013_2023.pdf

Connecting People and

Communities - A Social Care

Policy for Transforming Social

Care In Neath Port Talbot

2013 – 2018

www.npt.gov.uk/pdf/Social_Care_Policy_2013_20

18.pdf

NPT CBC Draft New

Social Work Model

http://neathporttalbotconsult.limehouse.co.uk/potal

/sshh/community_care_housing_strategy_team/so

cial_work?tab=files

The Welsh Government

Carers Strategy 2013

http://wales.gov.uk/docs/dhss/publications/130613

strategyen.pdf

The Carers Strategies

(Wales) Measure 2010

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/health/publications/socia

lcare/guidance1/Carers/?lang=en

ABMU – Valuing Carers

Strategy

http://www.npt.gov.uk/pdf/Carers_Strategy_Web_2

013.pdf

Carers (Recognition and

Services) Act 1995

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/12/conte

nts

Carers and Disabled

Children Act 2000

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/16/conte

nts

Carers (Equal

Opportunities) Act 2004

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/15/conte

nts

Social Services and Well-

being Act ( Wales)2014

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/anaw/2014/4/pdfs/an

aw_20140004_en.pdf

Office of National

Statistics (ONS)

http://www.ons.gov.uk

Daffodil – Projecting the

need for care services in

Wales

http://www.daffodilcymru.org.uk/

2011 Census data http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-

method/census/2011/index.html

APPENDIX B

Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) Report Form

This form should be completed for each Equality Impact Assessment on a new or existing function, a reduction or closure of service, any policy, procedure, strategy, plan or project which has been screened and found relevant to Equality and Diversity. Please refer to the ‘Equality Impact Assessment Guidance’ while completing this form. If you would like further guidance please contact the Corporate Strategy Team or your Directorate Heads of Service Equality Champion.

Where do you work?

Service Area: Strategy, Commissioning & Partnership

Directorate: Social Services Health and Housing

(a) This EIA is being completed for a…

Service/ Policy/ Function Procedure Project Strategy Plan Proposal

(b) Please name and describe below…

Neath Port Talbot Carers Partnership Joint Carers Commissioning Strategy 2015-18 (Draft for Consultation) It is intended that this Strategy document be used by key partners to drive service planning and commissioning. It describes the services required to support Adult Carers within Neath Port Talbot to carry on caring for as long as they are willing and able to do so, in addition to having a life of their own. It also recognises the different needs and outcomes for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers.

(c) It was initially screened for relevance to Equality and Diversity on …

Although the document recognises the diversity of Carers in Neath Port Talbot, there is insufficient information about Carers who have the protected characteristics outlined below, hopefully further information will result from the public consultation process.

(d) It was found to be relevant to…

Age ........................................................... Race ............................................................

Disability ................................................... Religion or belief ..........................................

Gender reassignment ............................... Sex ..............................................................

Marriage & civil partnership ...................... Sexual orientation ........................................

Pregnancy and maternity .......................... Welsh language ...........................................

(e) Lead Officer (f) Approved by Head of Service

Name: Elizabeth Griffiths-Hughes Name:

Job title: Service Development Officer Date: Date: 16th December 2014

Section 1 – Aims (See guidance):

Briefly describe the aims of the function, service, policy, procedure, strategy, plan, proposal or project:

2Section 2- Information about Service Users (See guidance): Please tick what information you know about your service users and provide details / evidence of how this information is collected.

Age ........................................................... Race ............................................................

Disability ................................................... Religion or belief ..........................................

Gender reassignment ............................... Sex ..............................................................

Marriage & civil partnership ...................... Sexual orientation ........................................

Pregnancy and maternity .......................... Welsh language ...........................................

What are the aims?

The aim of the draft strategy is to improve the quality of life for Carers and the people they care for. We also want to promote inclusion by providing support to Carers to ensure they are not denied the life chances available to other residents of Neath Port Talbot.

Who has responsibility?

A multi-agency approach is being used to achieve the objectives within the draft strategy. Partners include Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, ABMU – NPT locality, Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Services, Neath Port Talbot Carers Service and Voluntary Organisations, Carers and others. The NPT Carers Partnership Strategy group will oversee the implementation of the final version of the strategy. The final version of the strategy will reflect feedback received during the consultation period.

Who are the stakeholders?

Carers are the primary stakeholders. The draft strategy is intended to benefit any unpaid carers in Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

The draft Strategy may also indirectly benefit individuals who are ‘cared for’, that is people who have a disability or care/ support needs.

The document would be of interest to the general public, statutory bodies - health and social services, 3rd sector and private organisations.

What information do you know about your service users and how is this information collected? High level information about Carers in Neath Port Talbot has been gleaned from The Office of National Statistics 2011 Census, this includes age, gender, hours spent caring, employment, and ethnicity. The questionnaire and ‘Have your Say’ event included questions for Adult Carers on age, gender and ethnicity, employment, hours spent caring, years spent caring and whether the Carers considers themselves to have a disability.

Any Actions Required?

The strategy document is currently draft which will be subject to public consultation. Respondents will be asked for information on ‘protected characteristics’. The final version for the Strategy document will reflect feedback received during the consultation period.

Section 3 - Impact on Protected Characteristics (See guidance): Please consider the possible impact on the different protected characteristics. This could be based on service user information, data, consultation and research or professional experience (e.g. comments and complaints).

Positive Negative Neutral Needs further investigation Age Disability Gender reassignment Marriage & civil partnership Pregnancy and maternity Race Religion or belief Sex Sexual orientation Welsh language

Thinking about your answers above, please explain in detail why this is the case? including details of any consultation (and/or other information), which has been undertaken to support your view? The draft Strategy document clearly states that there must be recognition of the diversity of carers. Carers come from all walks of life; they can be any age, and from any culture. The Strategy is for all Carers; one possible consequence of the outcomes of the document is that by improving the quality of life of the Carer it will benefit the person being ‘cared for’ that is person with a disability or older frail person. In addition a significant proportion of Carers are over 50 years old and many (42%) Carers who completed a questionnaire have identified themselves as having a disability themselves. The document also recognises that Young Carers and Young Adult Carers have different needs and outcomes. There is insufficient information about Carers who have other protected characteristics (outlined above in the ‘Needs Further investigation column). There will be opportunity after the public consultation period to amend the final version of the Strategy document should an issue arise.

What consultation and engagement has been undertaken (e.g. with the public and/or members of protected groups) to support your view? The views of Adult Carers have informed the development of the strategy (Questionnaire and Have your Say event). The current version of the Neath Port Talbot Carers Partnership Joint Carers Commissioning Strategy 2015 -18 is a draft for consultation. The document will be available on NPT CBC ‘Limehouse’ consultation pages. The consultation will be promoted via Carers Strategy group partner agencies and more specifically to Carers via NPT Carers Service.

Any actions required (to mitigate adverse impact or to address identified gaps in knowledge) Addressed initially through consultation process. Take up opportunities to engage with Carers with the ‘protected characteristics’

Section 4 - Other Impacts: Please consider how the initiative might address the following issues. You could base this on service user information, data, consultation and research or professional experience (e.g. comments and complaints).

Foster good relations between different groups

Advance equality of opportunity between different groups

Elimination of discrimination, harassment and victimisation

Reduction of social exclusion and poverty

(Please see guidance for definitions)

Please explain any possible impact on each of the above. Foster Good relations between different groups – The document promotes recognition of Carers from all backgrounds and promotes positive relationships between health, social care and 3rd sector staff and Carers, by recognising, acknowledging and consulting Carers. Advance equality of opportunity between different groups – The document emphasises the importance of Carers recognising and accessing their rights. A core objective of the strategy is to assist Carers access the same opportunities as other NPT Citizens. Elimination of discrimination - The document emphasises the importance of Carers recognising and accessing their rights. Reduce Social exclusion and poverty - The document emphasises the importance of making information available enabling Carers to make informed choices. Research indicates that Carers report feeling socially isolated, the Strategy document acknowledges and includes actions to address this. What work have you already done to improve any of the above? Previous NPT Carers Strategy documents and ABMU Valuing Carers strategy have focused on making information available, promoting Carers Rights, engaging with Carers on an individual basis and in service development. Is the initiative likely to impact on Community Cohesion? It is anticipated that the strategy will have a positive effect on Community Cohesion by raising awareness of the issues Carers face and encouraging Carers to engage in opportunities available to other citizens. How will the initiative treat the Welsh language in the same way as the English language? Information for Carers produced by NPT CBC and ABMU will be available in English and Welsh.

Actions (to mitigate adverse impact or to address identified gaps in knowledge).

Section 5 - Monitoring arrangements: Please explain the arrangements in place (or those which will be put in place) to monitor this function, service, policy, procedure, strategy, plan or project:

Monitoring arrangements: After approval by NPT Carers Strategy group in December 2014 the Neath Port Talbot Carers Partnership Joint Carers Commissioning Strategy Draft document will be subject to public consultation (after approval to consult has been granted by NPTCBC, Social Services, Health and Housing Committee). The document will also be presented to ABMU Local Management Team meeting. The strategy will be updated to reflect consultation feedback and a final version will need to be approved by NPT Carers Strategy group prior to final approval from NPTCBC, Social Services, Health and Housing Committee. The NPT Carers Strategy group will monitor the strategy and a progress report will be produced annually.

Actions: When conducting questionnaires or surveys with Carers to ascertaining their views on progress of the Strategy data about ‘protected characteristics’ will a collected.

Section 6 – Outcomes: Having completed sections 1-5, please indicate which of the outcomes listed below applies to your initiative (refer to guidance for further information on this section).

Outcome 1: Continue the initiative…

Outcome 2: Adjust the initiative…

Outcome 3:Justify the initiative…

Outcome 4: Stop and remove the initiative…

Section 7 - Publication arrangements: On completion, please contact the Corporate Strategy Team for advice on the legal requirement to publish the findings of EIAs.

For outcome 3, detail the justification for proceeding here

Action Plan:

Objective - What are we going to do and why?

Who will be responsible for seeing it is done?

When will it be done by?

Outcome - How will we know we have achieved our objective?

Progress

Neath Port Talbot Partnership Joint Carers Commissioning Strategy Draft will be subject to public consultation. The consultation engagement plan identifies Stakeholders and outlines how feedback will be sought.

Service Development Officer Members of NPT Carers Strategy group

After approval from NPT CBC Social Services, health and Housing Committee and ABMU Locality Management Team. Subject to approval from the above groups a 45 day consultation period will begin w/c 19th January 2015.

The final version of the Neath Port Talbot Partnership Joint Carers Commissioning Strategy will reflect feedback received during the consultation period

* Please remember to be ‘SMART’ when completing your action plan.