Carers' strategy
Making a difference to the lives of carers in Croydon
An open space event took place on Wednesday 5 March 2008, held in Fairfield Halls, and worked on the new strategy for 2008-2011. The event was very successful with over 100 attendees from a diverse group of carers representing Croydon's vibrant community. Councillor Margaret Mead, Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care, attended for the whole day and opened the event with a short speech.
The event gave carers a chance to have conversations about what really matters to them and people working with carers in Croydon.
The open space event
'Open space' is used all around the world as a way to hold better, more productive meetings. There were no speakers; the people who came to the day set the agenda. The event aimed to engage the widest range of people who have an interest in caring and in carers in Croydon and those attending set the agenda for the day. In this way the agenda was based on what carers feel are the key issues from their experience and point of view. Individual carers, voluntary and statutory organisations and others with an interest in supporting carers came together around the topics they identified and wanted to discuss. Everyone who has an interest in supporting and improving things for carers in Croydon was invited.
What happens next?
Every participant has been sent a 'report' on the issues and solutions identified. There will be a follow up session on Wednesday 12 March, to be held in Fairfield Halls, to develop the core priorities identified at the open space event, into a detailed strategy for Croydon for the next three years.
As before, the Carers' Partnership Group will oversee the new strategy.
Carers' Strategy 2005-2008
The 2005-2008 carers' strategy built on the developments and achievements of the first strategy and the priorities identified on a strategy day in November 2004. This strategy is the result of the work of the Carers' Partnership Group, a multi-agency planning and commissioning group for carers' services.
The Carers' Partnership Group (CPG) is made up of Croydon Adult Social Services, Croydon Primary Care Trust, a range of voluntary organisations providing support to carers, and carers themselves. The CPG oversees the implementation of the carers' strategy and work plan and provides strategic direction for the improvement of carers' services in Croydon.
There are six main priorities within this strategy:
- Improved identification and recognition of carers
- More meaningful carers' assessments
- More respite/breaks
- Better services to carers from hidden or socially excluded groups such as:
- Carers from black and minority ethnic communities
- Young carers
- Carers of people with alcohol or substance misuse problems
- Carers of people with HIV or AIDS
- Improved communication and information for carers
- Supporting carers in their caring role
The government's national strategy for carers, 'Caring about Carers', was launched in 1999. As part of this national strategy a grant was established and given to local authorities to encourage the provision of diverse, responsive and flexible break and support services to carers. More recently, the Community Services White Paper, 'Our Health, Our Care, Our Say', further strengthens support for carers.
Contact Details
- Contact name
- Maureen Marron
- Telephone
- 020 8760 5495
- Fax
- 020 8407 1376
- maureen.marron@croydon.gov.uk
- Address
- Taberner House
11th Floor (N)
Park Lane
Croydon CR9 2BA
