North Lanarkshire Carers Together has published its ‘Tackling the cost of living emergency for unpaid carers in North Lanarkshire’ report.
It contains a number of recommendations on immediate and accessible financial supports. It also calls for improved access to wider financial and social care supports in the face of cost of living impacts on carers.
Developed following consultation with carers, the report outlines the extent of financial stress being faced by many of North Lanarkshire’s carers.
Feedback shows that that high levels of deprivation are being experienced by many carers and the people they care for, with access to necessities including housing, food and warmth all being challenging.
Carried out across late November and December, the report shows:
- 79% of carers are struggling to meet essential household fuel bills
- 69% of carers are struggling to meet food costs
- 25% of carers are struggling to meet housing costs
- 84% of carers said their mental health was being negatively impacted upon by financial pressures.
- Carers have been cutting back on essentials for themselves to try to reduce the impact of cost of living increases on those they care for
Positively, the report highlights that ‘North Lanarkshire is home to impressive partnership working between the statutory and community and voluntary sector.’
Ross McGuffie, chief officer, Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “North Lanarkshire Carers Together’s report clearly outlines the challenges being faced by unpaid carers in the area and across the wider country.
“There is no doubt that many unpaid carers are facing pressures around their own financial situation and mental and physical health. As a result, we have contributed funding to the Cost of Living support line, where Carers can access support from the Tackling Poverty Team or be directed to other local community supports.
“Now, more than ever, it’s vital that we continue listening to carers and learn from their experience and knowledge. We are providing additional support through a one-off payment for carers who have a family member/relative discharged from hospital. This is to help with any additional costs such as heating, transport to collect prescriptions or supporting a particular diet linked to recovery.
“The report encouragingly points to North Lanarkshire being home to impressive, and well-established, partnership working and we’re all dedicated to continuing to build on this.
“Strong partnership working and community infrastructures are key to delivering accessible, meaningful support.
“Through the investment to support carers and in our Community Solutions programme, and working closely with our community and voluntary sector partners, we’re committed to using both proven and innovative new approaches to make a profound and meaningful difference to people’s lives.
“It is essential that we provide the tailored supports to unpaid carers to ensure they don’t feel isolated, and remain a valued part of our communities.”
