West Wales Carers Development Group Carers Delivery Plan · West Wales Carers Development Group...

West Wales Carers Development Group

Carers Delivery Plan Supported through Welsh Government Carers funding 2018/19

WWCDG 25 July 2018


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




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.




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;




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.



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




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




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




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




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




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




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




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




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




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




Annex D(i)




Annex D (ii)




Annex D(iii)




Annex D(iv)




Annex D(v)




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

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

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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

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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


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


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

“.

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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.

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