The importance of supporting carers and enabling people to live independently at home are both well established aspects of the Scottish Government's approach to health and social care. The Scottish Government recognises the crucial contribution which unpaid carers make to Scottish society and that unpaid care will grow. We also understand the importance of supporting young carers and of relieving them of inappropriate caring roles that can impact on their health, well-being and development.
The Unpaid Carers Policy Branch, in the Scottish Government's Community Care Division, is working with carers, with the National Carers Organisations and with other partners to improve recognition of the needs and to promote the rights and interests of unpaid carers in Scotland.
There are estimated to be over 650,000 unpaid carers in Scotland. This is 1 in 8 of the Scottish population who are involved in providing care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour to enable that person to continue to live in their own community. We also know that there are many "hidden carers" in Scotland who have not been identified and are not being supported by services.
The Scottish Government acknowledges the significant contribution that these carers make to those for whom they care, but also to their local communities, to wider Scottish society and to the economy. The contribution and commitment of unpaid carers diverts significant demands away from health and social care services in Scotland and the Scottish Government acknowledges unpaid carers as equal partners in the delivery of care.
However, the Scottish Government also appreciates that caring can have an adverse impact on the mental, emotional and physical health of carers. Without appropriate and timely support and information carers can be at real risk of experiencing crisis.
The Government also recognises that many young people under the age of 18 years in Scotland are providing unpaid care. Some studies suggest that this could be as many as 100,000 young Scots. While for many this can be a positive experience, the Scottish Government appreciates that young carers need recognition, information, breaks from caring and support in order that they can be children and young people first and foremost.
In response and in partnership with COSLA, the Scottish Government has published a new Carers and Young Carers Strategy for Scotland: 2010 - 2015. This is one strategy in two parts, respectively called "Caring Together" and "Getting It Right For Young Carers". This reflects the different needs of adult carers and young carers, but acknowledges that there are some common issues, particularly around young carers' transition into adulthood.
For links to the new Carers and Young Carers Strategy and details of the headline actions visit the "Carers and Young Carers Strategy" page.