The Head of Adult Social Care and the Carers Development Officer provided an update on the developments in services for carers (including young carers) in the county borough.

The Head of Adult Social Care explained that the 2011 Census identified 17,919 carers however only between 2000 and 3000 were known to services. This meant that at least 15,919 unidentified carers were within the County Borough. She explained that in September 2017 a visioning event was held for stakeholders in Bridgend. This was an opportunity for carers, representatives of the local authority and providers to come together to look at how services were provided and where they would like them to be. The report listed the main findings of the day. The Head of Adult Social Care explained that following a stakeholder mapping exercise, three subsequent focus group workshops were also held to help co-produce a service model for carers. She added that targeted invitations ensured equality of representation from social work professionals, care providers, third sector organisations and from unpaid carers. The Head of Adult Social Care explained that planning had commenced to procure a “Bridgend Carers Wellbeing Service” which would include an increased level of Carers Assessments and access to information, advice and assistance. Significant work was also being carried out to deliver a flexible short break framework for carers.  

The Cabinet Member for Social Services and Early Help referred to a Carers Forum that he had recently attended where ways of identifying those that had not come forward, were considered. Stories coming forward were very positive and Members were encouraged to let people know what services were available.       

A Member asked if there would be the same support available for carers following the change to Cwm Taff. The Head of Adult Services explained that they were in the process of making links with Cwm Taff and other local authorities regarding future support.

A Member stated that he was pleased that respite care was being looked at. The results from a recent Carers Survey indicated that 62% of carers had not had a day off in years. The main barrier to this was difficulty trusting someone else and letting go. The Head of Adult Services explained that it was recognised that respite needs varied from one hour to a full week with different solutions such as couples and families on different packages and there was not a “one size fits all” solution. 

The Cabinet Member for Social Services and Early Help asked if carers were asked for feedback on respite care. The Carers Development Officer explained that there was regular engagement with carers and she would drop in on the Bridgend Carers Forum to get feedback on what was and wasn’t working. It was difficult for carers to hand over care and initially all they could do was to explain the options available. When they had tried it once, they were usually happy going forward.

The Cabinet Member for Communities referred to the passport scheme which had been running for a few years and he asked how many cards had been issued to young carers since the launch. The Carers Development Officer replied that 115 cards had been issued and there had also been dedicated training in schools. Welsh Government had given the Carers Trust some funding to roll out the card scheme across Wales.

The Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Future Generations thanked officers for their hard work, particularly with young carers.

RESOLVED:                   That the report be noted.