The Worcestershire Carers' Charter
Carers in Worcestershire can expect:
Choice about undertaking their caring role - regarding the
level and extent of care they offer, depending on age, ability and
circumstance- Respect and recognition for their contribution, and inclusion
as valued care partners when planning support for the person they
care for
- An assessment of their needs and aspirations, irrespective of
their personal financial situation
- Personalised information, advice and support that addresses
their individual situation
- Support to maintain their own health and well being
- Support for and recognition of their right to a life outside of
caring
- Support to provide care in a safe environment
- The right to their say over the support services they
receive
- To be treated with respect and dignity, especially regarding
their age, gender, disability, race, religion or belief and sexual
orientation
- Awareness and understanding by all key agencies of carers
issues
- Commitment by all key agencies to identify carers in the
community, including those from under-represented groups, and
provide appropriate information and signposting to relevant
services
- Appropriate support from agencies working in a co-ordinated
way
- The right to their say over the delivery of carer support
services at a strategic level (if they wish)
What is this charter for?
The purpose of this charter is to describe what carers can
expect when accessing support from key services in the county. The
charter is a statement of commitment from these key services.
Who is this charter for?
This charter is for all carers aged 18 years and over in
Worcestershire who provide care for other adults.
A carer, as defined in the county's new Carers Strategy 'Carers
at the Heart of Worcestershire's Families and Communities', is "a
person who, free of charge*, looks after over a period of time a
partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour who because of
disability, illness, the effects of old age or any other needs
cannot manage at home without help."
* some carers receive Carers Allowance but this is not payment
for their caring work but recognition of the extra costs associated
with being a carer
Where does it come from?
This Charter has been developed jointly by Worcestershire County
Council's Adult Services and Health Directorate, NHS
Worcestershire, Carers Action Worcestershire, and wider
representatives of the countywide Carers Consultative Group.
The following organisations have also given their commitment to
the charter:
- Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
- Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
- The District Councils of Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills, Redditch,
Worcester City, Wychavon and Wyre Forest
- The Worcestershire Association of Voluntary Organisations in
Community Care
- Worcestershire's Older People's Forums
- Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
- Job Centre Plus
- Worcestershire's Citizens Advice Bureaux
- West Mercia Police
- Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service
- West Midlands Ambulance Service
- Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Clearly each organisation will only be able to deliver specific
aspects of this charter, and therefore if we are to meet the
aspirations of the charter in full we need the full range of
organisations to fully commit to its delivery.
This page was last reviewed 10 May 2013 at 17:06.
The page is next due for review 6 November 2014.