Hampshire County Council Executive Member for Adult Services Item 5 18 January 2008 Carers Strategy - Permission to Consult Report of the Director of Adult Services

Contact: Maria Milton 01962 847 268 [email protected]

1. The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Member:

i. Approves the consultation on the draft Carers Strategy in accordance with the Hampshire Compact

ii. Receives a further report on completion of the consultation to approve the Strategy ( 21May 2008)

2. Reason

2.1 Supporting carers

2.1.1 This Strategy results from a partnership approach and effective joint-working. It seeks to underpin future allocation of resources and provide shared strategic direction for improving recognition and support for carers in Hampshire.

2.1.2 It is estimated that there are between 113,835 to 126,000 carers in Hampshire with approximately 19,808 carers providing over 50 hours of unpaid care per week.

2.1.3 There are approximately 2,500 carers from black and minority ethnic Communities in Hampshire and in addition to the range of issues and challenges experienced by all carers, carers from black and minority ethnic communities are likely to experience compound disadvantages.

2.1.4 Carers in Hampshire provide a substantial range of care including emotional, physical, medical and practical support. Total benefits of the support offered by carers is incalculable, however, recent Carers UK research calculates that the current cost of replacement care in Hampshire alone would be £1,482.4 million. This is an increase of 44% from the figure in 2002.

2.1.5 Carers are both partners in providing support and care and are individuals with rights and needs in their own right and require a range of accessible support and information, and flexibility in the way services and support are offered.

2.2 Hampshire safer and more secure for all

2.2.1 The Draft Strategy develops and supports safer communities through improvements in support, information and services for carers and people with care needs. It supports carers of all ages including young carers.

2.3 Maximising Wellbeing

2.3.1 The outcomes and actions proposed in this Strategy prioritise improving the quality of life for carers and ensuring they have opportunities to access information, to support themselves, be active in their community and have access to the services they need.

3. Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 A formal consultation process supported by HCC resources allows carers and community stakeholders the best possible opportunity to be involved in and contribute to the Strategy which will shape future services. A different, less comprehensive consultation could disenfranchise local carers and stakeholders.

4. Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive member consulted - none.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - none.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable.

Approved by: ....................... Date: .......................

Councillor Felicity Hindson

Executive Member for Adult Social Care

Hampshire County Council Executive Member for Adult Services Item 5 18 January 2008 Carers Strategy - Permission to consult Report of the Director of Adult Services

Contact: Maria Milton 01962 847 268 [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 Throughout 2007 a broad range of stakeholders have been involved in the development of a joint Carers Strategy for Hampshire. This project has been led by stakeholders in the community and facilitated by Hampshire Adult Services Department.

1.2 In order to comply with Hampshire County Council's obligations under the Compact Agreement, this strategy now needs to go out for a formal 12 week consultation period.

1.3 Further, more detailed work is required to develop a map of the total resources currently invested and the implications of implementing the commissioning intentions outlined in the Strategy. Since the Strategy must be implemented within existing resources, any decisions around disinvestment and reinvestment will be examined as separate but linked business cases. This work will continue throughout the consultation period, when the Strategy will be further refined.

2. Recommendations

2.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Member:

iii. Approves the consultation on the draft Carers Strategy in accordance with the Hampshire Compact

iv. Receives a further report on completion of the consultation to approve the Strategy

3 Contextual Information

3.1 It is estimated that there are between 113,835 to 126,000 carers in Hampshire with approximately 19,808 carers providing over 50 hours of unpaid care per week.

3.2 Increasing demand is being placed upon the caring role and a large increase in demand for support and services is anticipated over the coming years due to demographic changes and growth.

3.3 Services need to be aligned and coordinated across the health, social care and voluntary sector system in order to improve support to carers.

3.4 The development of this Strategy has been led by local, community stakeholders.

3.4.1 Establishment of a multi-agency Stakeholder Group

3.4.2 Establishment of a multi-agency Steering Group

3.4.3 A consultation exercise undertaken by Carers Together in Hampshire. More than 200 carers have contributed views so far through 4 consultation events.

3 The Strategy will provide:

4.1 Commissioning framework for Hampshire County Council for carers services that will deliver:

4.1.1 Clear statements of commissioning intentions

4.1.2 A modernisation programme for all providers

4.1.3 Priorities that make a real difference in the short term to medium term

4.2 A robust analysis of carers needs to inform commissioning

4.3 A whole system focus for improvement

4.4 Cohesion with other related health and social care commissioning strategies, e.g. older people's mental health

4 The overarching commissioning aims of the Strategy are:

5.1 To secure services and support for carers of all ages which address locally agreed priorities

5.2 To secure services which are flexible and able to change in line with people's unique circumstances, enabling independence and choice

5.3 To secure equitable access to services and support across Hampshire based on individual and population needs

6. Hampshire County Council Adult Services' commissioning intentions:

6.1 We will work towards commissioning:

6.1.1 Information and support interventions which provide identified, clear outcomes for carers

6.1.2 An integrated service between carers of all ages that is responsive and enables choice for individuals

6.1.3 A map of the total resources currently invested on carers in Hampshire, including, for example, voluntary sector services. This will identify the total resource available to support a modernisation programme, showing where there is any duplication or deficits and enabling maximisation of resources. This is not a straightforward process since, though some services are overtly specialist, additional support is provide within a broader range of groups and organisations.

6.1.4 Providers to undertake modernisation programmes to deliver outcome-focused services that implement local priorities. This will involve review and/or redesign of:

i. Current specialist and generic provision

ii. Adults and Children's Services interfaces, supporting Young Carers

iii. The balance between specialist services and access to community based and universal well-being services

6.1.5 Improvements to services to be delivered over the short, medium and longer term period of the Strategy.

6 How we will commission:

7.1 We will focus on specialist and community based services. All investment plans will be balanced with a disinvestment plan to demonstrate affordability within the available resources and the links between business cases will be demonstrated.

7.2 Where redesign of services is required, this will be subject to the usual scrutiny and public consultation processes.

7.3 Service level agreements will be agreed that set out the modernisation programme with identified outcomes and standards.

7.4 We will consider the implications of this Strategy for market management and will continue to proactively engage with all partners within the market.

8. Consultation

8.1 A draft Strategy has now been produced and the next stage is to formally consult on the direction and plans set out in the document. This is in line with good practice set out in the Hampshire Compact

8.2 A formal consultation plan for the draft strategy has been developed which includes consideration of equalities issues

8.3 The formal consultation process will be crucial in refining and developing the strategy further

8.4 The formal consultation process will enable the Strategy to reach a wider audience

9. Financial Implications

9.1 The Strategy needs to be implemented within available resources. Any decisions around disinvestment and reinvestment elsewhere must be examined as separate, but linked, business cases.

9.2 Work is being undertaken to provide more detailed financial information on carers to assist in improvements to services and future planning.

10. Equalities Impact Assessment

10.1 Equalities Impact Assessment work will develop alongside and seek to improve the formal consultation process. Further information regarding any unintended consequences or practical implementation issues can be gathered and considered in the development of the final version.

10.2 It is reported that carers experience social exclusion. In addition, carers from black and minority ethnic communities and hard to reach carers can face compound disadvantages and become particularly vulnerable.

10.3 Access to information and services for black and minority ethnic carers remains problematic. Barriers include issues of language, knowledge of what services are available, and the attitudes and practices of service providers, as well as cultural factors in the perception and understanding of illness and the caring role. Black and minority ethnic carers need to have access to appropriate and responsive services.

10.4 The clear commissioning intention in this Strategy is to work towards removing discriminatory barriers to accessing information and the promotion of carers rights.

11. Conclusion

11.1 This Strategy is the result of partnership working across all sectors and stakeholders.

11.2 It presents the strategic framework for Adult Services future work with carers and signals the direct of commissioning in this area.

11.3 An increase in the level of demand for services is anticipated over the coming years due to demographic changes.

11.4 It will not be possible to meet the growing demand within the resources available unless modernisation is implemented.

11.5 Working together across statutory, voluntary and community sectors has provided an effective, coordinated response to current issues and a shared vision for future working.

LINK(S) TO CORPORATE STRATEGY
	Yes	No
Hampshire safer and more secure for all	_
Maximising well-being	_
Enhancing our quality of place		_

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background documents

The following documents discuss facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and have been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB: the list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

NONE

Appendices

1. Draft Carers Strategy

2. Consultation Plan

3. Equality Impact Assessment

Draft Hampshire Carers Strategy

There is no typical carer, with average needs and wishes that can be met by off-the-shelf solution. Carers are people first. They deserve an individual response to their needs and aspirations.

1 Introduction and Background

1.1 National Context

1.2 Emerging trends

2 Carers in Hampshire

2.1 Definition of a Carer

3 Current Services for Carers

3.1 Support Services

3.2 Specialist Services

4 The Market

5 Current Social Care Commissioning

5.1 Cost

5.2 Performance

6 Benchmarking

7 Expected Future Trends

8 Future Commissioning

9 Partnership

10 Priorities

10.1 Health and Social Care (including transport and housing)

10.2 Employment and the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004

10.3 Income and benefits

10.4 Equality, respect and human rights

11 Appendices

11.1 Legislative and guidance framework

11.2 Information for carers

11.3 Local profile of carers by area and amount of care provided

12 Consultation and contact details

2.1 (1) Definitions have been used from the Social Care Institute for Excellence and the

Commission for Social Care Inspection.

Draft Hampshire Carers Strategy

There is no typical carer, with average needs and wishes that can be met by off-the-shelf solution. Carers are people first. They deserve an individual response to their needs and aspirations.

1 Introduction and Background

Carers play a vital role in Hampshire providing unpaid care to people in the community of all ages who are vulnerable, sick, frail or disabled. Many carers need help and support to continue in their caring role.

Carers are at the forefront of changes in care services. Across the Country, carers are reporting the increasing impact of service modernisation programmes including the national roll-out of self directed care schemes. Consequences for carers include the impact on their own health and well-being.

In recognition of the need to raise the profile and improve support for carers in Hampshire, this Carers Strategy sets out Hampshire's commitment to carers, builds on work already done and sets out the direction, shared vision and action plan for the next 2 years. It is set against a backdrop of change and will adapt as necessary to ensure that carers continue to be recognised, considered and supported as key partners.

This Strategy is the outcome of a community-led project and has been produced in partnership with key local stakeholders. Its starting point is carers themselves.

1.1 National Context

National Government has recognised that, despite progress in recent years, carers are still missing out on opportunities because of their caring role yet they contribute a huge amount to society.

In 2007 the Government announced a New Deal for Carers, a package of information, resources and support for carers. There are 4 main aspects to this:

· Updating the National Strategy for Carers

· Developing and providing emergency respite care services

· A national helpline for carers

· Training for carers

£33 million has been allocated which provides £25 million for local authorities to provide emergency support, £3 million on a national advice and information service and £5 million on a training programme for carers.

The development of the New Deal is being progressed using a cross-government approach to address difficult issues such as how carers can better juggle work and care; how they find suitable services to help them and the person they care for and how they can maintain their own health and wellbeing.

The introduction of an expert carer programme aims to demonstrate to carers that the unpaid support they provide is valued and recognised. It is also aimed at preventing deterioration in carers' health.

1.2 Emerging trends

Overall, the number of carers is expected to increase as is the total number of hours of care provided.

Caring will happen to almost everyone. Care is part of the `social contract' - over the life course we are all likely to give and receive care. Many more people are living into old age and the number of men and women aged 85+ is expected to increase by over 900,000 by 2025.

Life expectancy is rising - but so is the number of years we are likely to live in poor health. In the most deprived areas, average life-time years in poor health are 22 for men and 26 for women - double the figures for the least deprived areas.

Caring can come on unexpectedly - every year:

· 10,000 people have a stroke

· 36,000 people are seriously injured in a road accident

· 27,000 children are born or diagnosed with a serious disability or rare syndrome

As part of current countrywide consultation and Carers UK research the following issues were identified as priorities:

· one in five give recognition by professionals as their highest priority (20%).

· income from benefits for the under 65s (16%)

· better services for disabled/older/chronically ill people (15%)

· income in retirement (13%)

· carers' health (11%)

· respite breaks (9%)

The Carers Allowance remains the lowest benefit of its kind and carers report difficulty when this comes to an end upon reaching the age of retirement.

2 Carers in Hampshire

It is estimated that there are between 113,835 to 126,000 carers in Hampshire. National census data reports that approximately 19,808 carers in Hampshire provide over 50 hours of unpaid care per week.

There are approximately 2,500 carers from Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in Hampshire (based on census data of 2.2% of the population and Hampshire Client Ethnicity Records). In addition to the range of issues and challenges experienced by all carers, carers from Black and Minority Ethnic Communities are likely to experience compound disadvantages.

Carers in Hampshire provide a substantial range of care including emotional, physical, medical and practical support. The total benefits of the support offered by carers is incalculable however recent Carers UK research calculates that the current cost of replacement care in Hampshire alone would be £1,482.4 million. This is an increase of 44% from the figure in 2002.

Carers are both partners in providing support and care and are individuals with rights and needs in their own right.

Carers require a range of accessible support and information, and flexibility in the way services and support are offered. There also needs to be trust that creative solutions can deliver the right outcomes, breaking free of rigid procedures.

2.1 Definition of a Carer

The word `carer' refers to people of all ages who provide unpaid care to a relative, friend or neighbour who is in need of support because of mental or physical illness, age or disability.

It does not include people who volunteer or paid workers; they should be referred to as `care workers'.

Caring duties range from helping with the shopping to giving 24 hour care.

It is also important to remember that some people who use Adults and Children's services are carers themselves, for example, many people with learning disabilities care for their ageing parents. (1)

Stakeholders in Hampshire are committed to ensuring that help is available to all people who have, or are in, a caring situation irrespective of the level of involvement. This help includes the provision of information and signposting to carers groups and advice.

Support and care for people with care needs is provided through a range of organisations and individuals.

3 Current Services for Carers

3.1 Support Services

Due to the nature of caring, carers engage with and require access to a wide range of community services. Many of these generic services have developed a range of support and information for carers.

Private sector provision largely pertains to services of replacement care and practical support.

Health agencies, faith groups and Councils for Voluntary Services also offer a range of support.

3.2 Specialist Services

Adult Services provides carers support and information services through 2 specialist in house posts in Aldershot and in Fareham & Gosport. Adult Services, Children's Services (formerly Social Services) and Community Mental Health Teams also undertake Carer Assessments.

Adult Mental Health Services provide specialist support to carers across Hampshire with a team of 14 Carers Support Workers in the County.

Specialist voluntary sector provision is provided mainly from 3 agencies:

Carers Together in Hampshire, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and One Community in Eastleigh. In partnership they cover the County of Hampshire.

In addition there are a range of issue-specific support groups which have now developed carers support, for example, Rethink and the Alzheimer's Society. There is mixed availability of these groups throughout the County.

4 The Market

Hampshire experiences a mix of voluntary, private and statutory sector support for carers. Local Authority provision of carers services is held within community care packages. To date this has included use of in-house residential and day care services for carer respite.

The private and voluntary sector provide services in respite care, the voluntary sector provides additional support and information services.

The market is not consistently developed in all parts of the County. In some areas, for example in the New Forest, carers have experienced difficulties in purchasing overnight care which is not a countywide issue.

4.1 National and local political factors affecting market

The role of the voluntary sector in service provision has been targeted for expansion. It is hoped that this will deliver more cost effective, user-led and informed services.

In Hampshire the grant-making culture is still evident and the move to formal contracting not yet complete across all areas. Some voluntary sector agencies are now vulnerable to closure if grants and/or contacts are not renewed. This affects the market as these agencies provide additional (non-commissioned) services upon which people rely.

Over reliance on existing grants and contracts can result in agencies inability to respond to changes in policy direction and in the market. The incoming move to the provision of individualised care will test the capacity and flexibility of providers.

As services are increasingly delivered by external providers, the potential for conflict between roles of campaigning and service provision can increase.

4.2 Capacity

There is capacity within the existing market to expand and also potential for new providers to expand into Hampshire.

Existing agencies providing care at home and respite care are developing services to meet new requirements. Those providing support and information services have the ability to expand as required. New, regional based providers of care are willing to enter the local market (evidenced by responses to tender advertisements.)

The modernisation of day care services and changes to residential care will reduce capacity in those areas and the need for alternative care may increase as a result

4.3 Conclusions about health of local market

The local market can support policy and service provision developments. This will require a re-establishment of existing partnership arrangements and the development of new market management mechanisms.

5 Current Social Care Commissioning

5.1 Cost

5.1.1 National picture

To support and underpin development of carers services, the Government developed the Carers Special Grant nationally of which Hampshire receives £3,315,759 (07/08). An additional £25 million has been allocated to Local Authorities nationally underpin the new Deal for Carers.

5.1.2 Survey of local costs and charges

There are 2 in-house Adult Services specialist posts (Carer Support Workers) held at District level plus an area resource for the West Area. The majority of voluntary sector support is commissioned centrally. The total cost of all posts and support is in the region of £400,000.

The majority of service costs are held within individually developed care packages. Overall costing is being undertaken to support this Strategy. No charges are currently made directly to carers. Where charges for respite care are levied they are made to the community care user.

Additional contracts and grants with Hampshire organisations have differential carers support elements. Work will be undertaken to review how much carers support is resourced in this way assisted by the recent centralisation of the grants process as phase 1 of the Grants Review.

5.2 Performance

Service provision is not consistent across the County with duplication of service and resource in some areas and gaps in service in others.

5.2.1 Take-up of services

The range of services provided includes support groups, one to one support, telephone support, email and web-based support, training and awareness and information and respite care. There is differential take up of services.

In some areas, support groups are well attended, in other areas information services are more frequently accessed. Take up is affected by many factors including established group dynamics and feelings of exclusion. Separate support groups in one area have been developed for male carers who did not benefit as much from the mixed group. Take up of services is also affected by the restrictions on the carer's time. Where alternative/replacement care can be arranged, carers are more able to access support groups or information events.

Despite targeting carers from hard to reach and black and ethnic communities, there is limited evidence of take up of services. Where this is evidenced, it is located in one area of the County.

5.2.2 Activity

Referrals for support services are increasing, though this increase has not translated into increased activity at support groups across the whole County. In the past year an additional 2 support groups have been opened in Basingstoke to meet increased demand. In other areas groups struggle to attract any regular members.

5.2.3 Referral and assessment mechanisms

Referrals are made through Review and Assessment Teams, from partner agencies, a range of stakeholders and directly from carers.

In the past 6 months referrals have increased to all providers (statutory and voluntary sector). In the Winchester & Andover areas, the rate of referrals for carer support has more than doubled in the last 6 months.

5.2.4 Assessment of quality and effectiveness of current services

There are examples of excellent practice and support from existing service providers, for example, well attended Carers Forums and support groups, however, overall quality and effectiveness of services is mixed.

The approach of individual postholders can influence the success of support group networks and interventions which leads to different experiences and levels of support for carers dependent upon where they live on the County.

There is no formal network of providers. In the absence of a partnership agreement between all providers, competition and communication issues have restricted the development of support for carers across the County.

6 Benchmarking

6.1 Portsmouth

Portsmouth co-ordinates City-wide carers services from a Carers Centre. The Carers Centre provides a shop front accessible building where carers can drop-in for information and support. The Centre is used as a base for 3 Carers Support Workers. A range of information and support services are provided including a Carers Handbook and Newsletter. Availability of respite care is promoted and a charging policy is in place for carers.

6.2 Southampton

Carers support is co-ordinated by a multi-agency steering group and strategy.

A range of support and information services are provided in-house in partnership with a local voluntary organisation. Additionally, voluntary sector provision is commissioned for advocacy, carers support groups, direct payments support, self directed care, training and awareness and information services.

6.3 Comparator authorities

Hertfordshire principally provides support and information through a local voluntary organisation which has 3 carers centres around the County. In addition to these services, a range of training on care issues is provided as are workshops on issues such as health.

Wilshire offers a range of support and information services. They have the same approach to charging as Hampshire (that no charges are made to carers and if additional services are required as a result of a Carers Assessment these are made to the community care user). The exception to this is respite sitting services which are funded through the Carers Grant.

7 Expected Future Trends

7.1 Increasing demands on carers

There are increasing demands on carers which we expect to continue. Changing health and social care arrangements, an ageing population, increasing care in the community and assistive technology have directly impacted upon carers. There are more people with care needs and more people choosing to be at home. This at a time when there are multiple pressures on health and social care resources.

Nationally, carers tell us repeatedly about the impact of cuts to services or of services simply not being there at all. With an increasingly ageing population requiring more carers it is vital that there is investment in support for carers and the people they care for. It will be important to ensure the support of carers with information, care interventions and to find ways to combat isolation and exclusion.

7.2 The Personalisation Agenda

The 3-year plan to radically transform care services, Putting People First, includes the roll-out of personal budgets, increased scrutiny of care service quality, support for one-stop shops and calls for more coordinated collaboration between health and social care.

This agenda impacts carers both in terms of supporting the person they care for and in receiving personal budgets in their own right. Support, information and market development will be key to the successful delivery of the plan.

7.3 Addressing employment and income

Many carers experience financial hardship as a direct result of caring. One in three people providing round the clock care struggle to pay basic food and utility bills, often affecting their own health and that of the person they care for. Almost 3.9 million carers are of working age and of these carers 1.5 million combine full-time paid employment with unpaid care. Supporting carers in employment and supporting those who wish to access employment will become increasingly important. Future labour market predictions show a decreasing pool of available labour and more carers will be required to stay in employment.

7.4 Partnership and Mainstreaming

The new National Strategy for Carers will establish a 10-year plan for carers. The overarching vision is that carers cannot be best supported through health and social care alone and this led to the cross departmental approach to Strategy development. In order to be successful, future support of carers will need to be cross-sector and effective partnership working will need to underpin service initiatives.

8 Future Commissioning

8.1 Needs Assessment

8.1.1 Demographic trends

From the last census and the General Household Survey, it has been reported that, of all carers, 58% women and 42% men. The peak age for caring is 50 - 59 years and 1 in 5 people across the UK in this age range will be providing some unpaid care. Two million people are new to caring each year.

8.1.2 Socio-economic data and statistics

In 2001 Carers UK carried out a survey of the financial effects of caring. The report, 'Caring on the Breadline', detailed the financial impact of becoming a carer:

· 1 in 10 carers identified that they were worse off financially since becoming a carer.

· 1 in 5 carers give up work because of caring.

· 1 in 3 carers had trouble paying for utility bills.

· 1 in 10 carers worry about their finances either a lot or all of the time.

· 1 in 10 carers said that this worry affects their health.

One of the biggest expenses carers face is buying in care so they can be freed up to handle other commitments, or take a break.

In 2007, the Carer's Allowance remains the lowest benefit of its kind. It effectively stops when a carer reaches 60, leaving 1.5 million carers over 60 with no financial recognition,

8.1.3 Overall assessment of needs

Carers in Hampshire provide a substantial range of care including emotional, physical, medical and practical support. Carers are both partners in providing support and care and are individuals with needs in their own right.

Key needs identified by carers in Hampshire:

· Information

· Communication

· Recognition including Carers Assessments

· Partnership approach from agencies involved

· Practical support (respite care)

8.1.4 Gap analysis

Gaps in support and service have been identified. There are limited services based on individual needs and those targeted to carers from black and ethnic communities and support group services predominantly reflect the needs of women carers.

Information and respite services are not consistent across the County and services are not always flexible and accessible (available).

There are gaps in service provision which fall between agency contracts, for example, in the Meon Valley and in Alton and partnership work between agencies

is limited.

There is no centrally established carer identification programme and guidance in Care Management is limited as is undertaking and recording Carers Assessments.

8.1.5 Outcome-based strategic objectives for commissioning redesign

To establish a multi agency approach and strategic framework which enables the views of carers to direct service planning and commissioning (which does not place additional burdens on carers.) A countywide support service framework will be developed which meets the needs of local carers and those outlined in national legislation and policy guidance.

A high quality baseline service for all carers in the County will be commissioned which will address local priorities and ensure countywide coverage for carers. Also, commissioning a mix of support interventions to meet individual needs of carers and to develop the range, accessibility and flexibility of respite care.

External commissioning will be supported by increasing awareness, output and outcomes for carers in relation to Carers Assessments and a review of the role, function and support of in-house specialist posts/resources.

This to be achieved within a framework of partnership working and networking which will achieve best outcomes for carers, help avoid duplication and ensure value for money.

8.1.6 Priorities in maintaining supply

It will be necessary to ensure that existing contracts for service provision cover service delivery until any new services are embedded. Transitional planning with all providers will be undertaken as well as communicating with and involving carers.

8.1.7 Shifts in provision required

Resources will be allocated to support equitable access across all areas and will be targeted towards strategic priorities.

Acknowledging that there are excellent sources of support for carers in some areas of the County, there are also areas with little or no support including some of the more rural areas of the County. It is proposed to develop a carer's support service in each area of the County which enables carers to access the same level of key information and support no matter where they live. This service will be embedded in partnership working and tailored to meet the needs of carers with minimum quality standards.

To improve communication, it is proposed to develop an electronic support and information service showing carers where local groups and support can be found and giving access to information.

8.1.8 Opportunities to change and reshape existing provision

Opportunities are limited within existing resources. Current contracts for service provision define service location and operation. This does not cover the entire County and negotiation with existing providers is unlikely to achieve consistent coverage without additional resource.

8.1.9 Decommissioning options for each commissioning round

Recommending the decommissioning of all existing contracts and tender for new county-consistent service in one round. If taken in stages, organisations will be limited in bidding options and economies of scale could be lost.

8.1.10 Risk Management

Consultation and the multi agency approach will result in a robust, shared strategic framework and agreed priorities. A comprehensive communication strategy is required to inform all stakeholders and to provide ongoing support for carers and information about any changes.

Hampshire acknowledges the importance of the role of carers and works to ensure that carers are all fully involved, informed, encouraged, respected and valued as partners in the caring equation. Agencies will work together to plan, develop and provide appropriate services for carers which seek to be responsive to needs.

8.1.11 Service changes - investment and disinvestment

Following review, it is anticipated that a tender process will take place to identify provider agencies for the future. Disinvestment and investment regarding specific organisations will be made at this time. All stakeholders will be kept informed of the process through the multi-agency Stakeholder Group.

8.1.12 Purchasing intentions

A framework that provides a countywide information and support service for carers and flexible, accessible respite care services in line with the aims expressed in `Putting People First'.

8.1.13 Outline of future market management approach

To maximise economies of scale where possible and identify pockets of good practice and seek to introduce across other areas. To monitor contracts on formal basis and ensure that customer feedback is central to evaluation.

8.1.14 Contracting arrangements to meet service needs & priorities

In the short term, working with existing providers to examine services in light of priorities and ability of services to adapt to meet expressed needs. In the long term, to undergo a tender process to secure providers for future service delivery.

9 Partnership

This Strategy has been developed in partnership with carers, community and statutory groups and individuals. It is intended that carers of all ages be supported through this Strategy and that carers experience increasing benefits from joint-action.

To support this, specific actions from other key strategies which impact on carers, for example, the Young Carers Strategy, Older Persons Mental Health Strategy and the Care at the End of Life Strategy will be incorporated in this document as will information from the Self Directed Care Strategy.

10 Priorities

10.1 Health and Social Care (including transport and housing)

10.1.1 Issues

Carers identify that there is a lack of understanding and respect for the role of a carer. Carers need to be recognised as both partners in care and individuals in their own right with needs and aspirations.

A lack of partnership working between agencies impacts negatively on carers. It is unacceptable that carers can be left unsupported at important times whilst agencies debate roles, responsibilities and funding issues.

Rights to statutory assessment are not widely known about. And 80% of carers do not have an assessment from statutory services.

Many carers suffer from health problems because they don't get the break they need to re-energise and respite care is not always seen as time for the carer.

10.1.2 Outcomes

To promote that carers are respected in their roles and treated as partners in care and that all staff across relevant agencies are trained to identify, understand and support carers in their role and in their own right.

To undertake partnership work to achieve improved linkages between agencies including Adult and Children's Services, Health and the voluntary sector.

To promote the rights of carers to an assessment of their needs irrespective of funding situations and arrangements. To ensure a response to a request for a carers' assessment is made within 28 days (urgent requests to be fast tracked with the necessary speed).

10.1.3 Actions

Action	Lead	Timeframe
Identify key policies to influence.	Voluntary Sector	September 2008
Promote the recognition of carers with professionals including GP's.	PCT	March 2009
Develop joint protocols between agencies & children's services that identify responsibilities and accountability to these children and families.	Hampshire Adult Services and Children's Services Departments	September 2008
All carers receive their own assessment of need within the 28 day outcome.	Hampshire Adult Services and Children's Services Departments	April 2009
Roll out Carer Awareness training for health, social care staff and public sector.	Voluntary Sector	September 2009

10.2 Employment and the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004

10.2.1 Issues

Employer compliance with carer support and flexible working arrangements is problematic for both carer and employer and a high proportion of Hampshire employers have 7 or less staff which can act as a disincentive to supporting carers at work.

Information relating to carers and employment issues is not widely known about. There is a shortage of affordable breaks and alternative care which does not support carers working.

Carers do not have the same life chances as their peers. The impact for young carers on their childhood may, in turn, impact on adult life and career opportunities and life chances may be restricted. Young carers may be inappropriately directed into caring jobs because of their caring responsibilities.

10.2.2 Outcomes

All Carers are encouraged to work where this is their choice and availability of flexible breaks is increased to enable carers to keep their jobs, or return to work.

Carers are empowered to recognise the skills that they have and are enabled to access leisure, sport, education, training and opportunities to socialise.

Carers and employers have information provided about flexible working and options regarding support and all carers are helped to manage changes and respond to challenges in their lives and have equal opportunities in education, training, leisure and life choices.

Hampshire County Council positions itself as a model employer for carers.

10.2.3 Actions

Action	Lead	Timeframe
Promote the right to say no to caring responsibilities, in policy and practice.	Voluntary Sector	September 2008
Ensure brokerage and commissioning in Hampshire develop markets and expand service delivery beyond health and social care providers.	Hampshire Adult Services and Children's Services Departments and PCT's	September 2009
Careers advisers are targeted to undertake training on carers issues and to work with other agencies (including Children's Services) to support carers (including young carers) into further education, training or employment. Support young carers access to Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA).	Voluntary Sector	October 2009

10.3 Income and benefits

10.3.1 Issues

Choice for carers is limited by income, for example, the cost of agency care or transport. If information and services are not known about, they cannot be requested and information is not routinely available on benefits that affect carers.

Professionals are not supporting all carers, including those who self-fund care, which restricts effectiveness of signposting and information and Finance, Assessment and Benefit (FAB) teams are not delivering the full range of benefits information required for carers.

There is a lack of flexibility with Educational Maintenance Allowance and eligible 16 & 17 year old carers in education. This can be withdrawn or refused as a result of caring responsibilities. Receiving Educational Maintenance Allowance can affect the total family income and have knock-on effects on other household benefits.

10.3.2 Outcomes

To promote that all carers have access to high quality, independent advice on benefits and support to complete application forms and the income of all carers is maximised so that they are able to take up breaks and other opportunities.

To ensure the Education Maintenance Allowance is genuinely accessible for young carers and does not impact on other benefits coming into the household.

10.3.4 Actions

Action	Lead	Timeframe
Carry out an audit of existing provision for breaks.	Hampshire Adult Services	November 2008
Use the Emergency Respite Grant (£358,400) to pilot new services.	Hampshire Adult Services	April 2008
Publicise the estimated value of the contribution of carers in Hampshire.	Voluntary Sector	August 2008
Commission high quality, independent, specialist advice services and support to access to benefits.	Hampshire Adult Services and Children's Services Departments and PCT's	September 2009
Roll out and mainstream lessons learned from the Emergency Respite Grant - emergency places are available on demand.	Voluntary Sector	November 2009
Track how much money coming into Hampshire from government for carers is spent on carers.	Hampshire Adult Services	September 2009

10.4 Equality, respect and human rights

10.4.1 Issues

It is assumed that people will take up a caring role. Information and support is sometimes seen as being `rationed' or `limited' because public sector workers have an eye on their budgets or other constraints. `Well you didn't ask' is often the response to carers when they ask why they weren't told about something, but you don't know what you don't know.

Information and services do not address the needs of diverse communities including people from black and ethnic communities, and travellers. Age discrimination exists in service access and delivery.

Young carers, those from black communities and other ethnic groups, face additional issues. Children from black communities and other ethnic groups are more likely to be excluded from school and children from these groups are often expected to take responsibility for interpreting for the person they are caring for, regardless of whether or not they understand the issue or it is appropriate to their age.

It is a human right to have a break, but the rights of the `cared for' take precedence over the carer's rights.

10.4.2 Outcomes

To increase understanding that undertake a caring role is a choice and is not to be assumed and that carers have easy access to a range of high quality, accurate information wherever they live in Hampshire. Information is made available in a variety of formats.

For information, breaks and support to be accessible, affordable and flexible, focusing on the outcome for the carer, and not the process or type of provision. Increased choice for carers.

To establish a minimum level of equitable services across the County which is maintained at transition points between services and/or departments and regular breaks for the carer are seen as part of the preventative agenda.

10.4.3 Actions

Action	Lead	Timeframe
Identify and ensure key partners are involved in progressing the Strategy, target partners from hard to reach communities.	Hampshire Adult Services and Children's Services Departments and PCT's	September 2008
Map current information provision and the number of carers centre's in Hampshire - identify from carers what support and information is most valued, identify sources, gaps and where information will usefully reach carers.	Voluntary Sector	March 2009
Develop a countywide accessible information resource which will facilitate the sharing of good practice for carers, professionals and employers which links to a County helpline.	Voluntary Sector	September 2009

Please note:

All actions support all priorities as they are inter-related and progress on all actions will be monitored, reviewed and updated every three months by the Carers Strategy Project Steering Group.

11 Appendices

11.1 National legislative and guidance framework

11.1.1 The Disabled Persons (Services, Representation and Consultation) Act 1986

When assessing a disabled person's needs, consideration must be given as to whether a carer is able to continue caring for that person.

11.1.2 The Children Act 1989

Identifies `children in need' - some young carers are eligible for social services within this criteria

11.1.3 NHS and Community Care Act 1990

Requires the involvement of families and carers when making plans to assist adults who are vulnerable.

11.1.4 Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995

Established the right for carers to have their own needs assessed (carers assessments).

`the carer may request the local authority, before they make their decision as to whether the needs of the relevant person call for the provision of any services, to carry out an assessment of his ability to provide and to continue to provide care for the relevant person; and if he makes such a request, the local authority shall carry out such an assessment and shall take into account the results of that assessment in making that decision.

11.1.5 Human Rights Act 1998

Carers are entitled to rely on the protection of the Human Rights Act 1998, which should ensure that public bodies take account of human rights in service provision. Public services play a critical role in guaranteeing carers' human rights. They can ensure that carers have the support they need to maintain a normal life. Key articles of the Human Rights Act for carers:

_ a right to life,

_ a right to be free from inhuman or degrading treatment,

_ a right to respect for private and family life.

11.1.6 National Carers Strategy - Caring for Carers 1999

This strategy was produced by the Department of Health and outlines a programme of improvements in services for carers. The strategy contained three main themes:

_ Information: improving carers' knowledge of services and how to access them

_ Support: involvement of carers in planning and providing services

_ Care: providing services for carers as well as those with care needs

11.1.7 Carers Special Grant 1999

The introduction of a carers resource allocated to support new services to underpin implementation of the National Strategy and the provision of supporting guidance.

11.1.8 The National Service Framework Mental Health 1999

Includes standard 6 "Caring for Carers" which aims to ensure health and social services assess the needs of carers who provide regular and substantial care for those with severe mental illness and also provide care to meet those needs.

11.1.9 Social Inclusion: Pupil Support - Department for Education & Skills

Provides guidance about exclusion including the responsibilities of governors, head teachers, parents' rights of appeal. It also includes guidance on early intervention and promoting positive behaviour; and on the reintegration of excluded pupils.

11.1.10 Social Inclusion: Pupil Support - circular 11/99

This circular covers LEA specific issues on attendance, education out of school and re-integration of excluded pupils

11.1.11 Carers and Disabled Children's Act 2000

Extended the provision of carers' assessment:

· to determine whether the carer is eligible for support

· to determine the support needs of the carer

· to see if those needs can be met by social services or other services

A carer has the right not to be described as a carer or to be assessed and should be informed the assessment can trigger services not otherwise available to the carer.

If the carer does not want an assessment, any care package to the person with care needs should still reflect the carer's need for a break, and may include additional services delivered to the person with care needs to enable the carer to take a break.

Carers have the right to have a friend/advocate present if they wish and have the right to prepare for an assessment so they can get the best out of it.

Carers are entitled to have direct payments in their own right.

The Act also supported carers rights to stay in work, or to return to work.

11.1.12 The National Service Framework Older People 2000

Promoting that carers should be identified and seen as partners in care and involved in the planning and implementation of services.

11.1.13 Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 - Impact Assessment

The Act placed a general duty on public authorities to:

· Eliminate racial discrimination;

· Ensure equality of opportunity for people from all ethnic backgrounds;

· Promote good race relations.

Specifically, the legislation requires the Department to assess all its functions

for race equality impact and to set out its plans for addressing priority areas.

The Impact Assessment Framework was developed to assess policies and services for their impact on racial equality.

There are two levels of Impact Assessment. The first level is when the

proposed policy is screened for relevance to race equality. The second level

forms the main part of the framework and outlines questions and practical

issues that inform a full Impact Assessment.

11.1.14 Valuing People: A New Strategy For Learning Disability 2001

Setting out a programme of action for improving services to people with learning disabilities and their carers. "A toolkit" was produced in 2003, to help partnership boards carry out the valuing people objectives aimed at providing family carers of people with learning disabilities with more and improved support.

11.1.15 Fair Access to Care Services - Policy guidance 2002

Fair Access to Care (FACS) is a resource allocation systems that seeks to distribute social care resources fairly and according to needs. There are four levels:

_ Critical Band

_ Substantial Band

_ Moderate Band

_ Low Band

The highest is the Critical Band. This describes people who are most at risk and in need of urgent help. The other bands move through groups, each of whom are at lower risk, the fourth or Low Band describing people who need some help but are least at risk.

Hampshire offers advice and information to everyone but focuses support on those people who are described in the Critical and Substantial Bands.

11.1.16 Community Care (Delayed Discharges) Act 2003

Part 1 gives a carer who requests an assessment a right to be assessed and have any necessary services provided, before a patient leaves hospital.

Part 2 dictates that certain community care and carers services provided through intermediate care, must be provided free of charge to the disabled older person and carer for up to six weeks.

11.1.17 Taking Responsibility 2003

An inter agency policy for supporting Young Carers and introducing quality standards.

11.1.18 The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004

Duty to ensure all carers know they are entitled to an assessment of their needs;

Placed a duty on councils to consider a carer`s outside interests (work, study or leisure) when carrying out an assessment; and promote better joint working between councils and the health service to ensure support for carers is delivered in a coherent manner.

11.1.19 Children Act 2004

Young Carers are an "at risk" group and need support.

11.1.20 School Transport Bill

Transport is often a significant issue for young carers. The Bill does not address their issues. If a child has a disability they will receive transport to school but if a child has a disabled parent they often have problems getting to school. Parents sometimes spend money that should be spent on food/clothes on taxis to take a child to school because they are unable to.

11.1.21 Mental Capacity Act 2005

The Act allows Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) where people can empower an attorney to make health and welfare decisions.

11.1.22 The Work and Families Act 2007

Extending the right to request flexible working to carers of adults and parents of older children.

11.1.23 Our health, our care, our say: a new direction for community services 2006 White Paper

Overall, the White Paper outlined several developments to increase individual choice, improve services and support for carers and emphasise that services and support must begin to fit in with carer's lives.

Carers and carer's issues play a central part in these plans and developments. Providing more support for carers scored highly in the consultation and listening exercises and was voted third in a series of priorities at the landmark 1,000 person Citizen Summit.

11.1.24 The New Deal for Carers 2007

Outlining a cross-departmental Government review of the National Carers Strategy supported by a large, national public consultation process.

To help relieve pressure on carers, new ways of offering support are prioritised including a new information service and helpline. It is envisaged that every area will develop short term, home based respite for carers in crisis or emergency situations and funding will be targeted to provide training for carers.

Everyone who has a long term care need and their carers will be given an information prescription providing information about medical conditions and telling carers where to get further information. This to be routinely offered by 2008.

11.1.25 Continuing Care 2007

New national guidance set out a single, national system for determining eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare. A Public Information Leaflet has been produced to answer questions about NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care following the changes that were introduced on 1 October 2007.

If the overall care needs show that the primary need is a health one, this qualifies for

continuing healthcare. The primary health need should be assessed by looking at all of your care needs and relating them to four key indicators:

_ Nature, the type of condition/treatment required and its quality and quantity

_ Complexity, symptoms that interact, making them difficult to manage or control

_ Intensity, one or more needs which are so severe that they require regular interventions

_ Unpredictability, unexpected changes in condition that are difficult to manage and present a risk to you or to others.

The NHS will make the decision on eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare in collaboration with the local authority through a multi-disciplinary team and with the full and active involvement of people with care needs and carers.

11.2 Information

A County-consistent approach to information for carers will be developed making best use of central resources and local networks to ensure access to relevant, quality, up to date and comprehensive information.

11.2.1 Type of Information

Information for carers is usually classified as specific information to meet the needs of carers. This supports carers to recognise their own needs and those which support them in undertaking a caring role.

Carers are people first and it is essential that any information about caring and what is available to support carers makes this acknowledgement. As individuals, each carer has a different range of needs and aspirations.

Carers often do not recognise themselves as carers so information should be couched in terms that enable people to look at it with interest and discover they could be a carer e.g. do you look after someone? Are you the daughter of someone who needs help and support?

Information for carers should include:

Legal Entitlements and carers rights

_ Information about the situation, illness or disability of the person they care for

_ Benefits information - all benefits including DWP, Job Centre Plus, Housing benefits and underlying entitlements

_ Services available

_ Services the carer is entitled to under legal entitlements and rights

_ Statutory (health, social care, housing, education etc)

_ Voluntary (carer specific, service user specific)

_ Community services/activities that help/support the carer as an individual

_ Emergency Information - a contact point that can respond to the emergency needs of carers (what do I do?) and will not necessarily be the same as a dedicated telephone point for carers information and support. Emergencies usually need action and there is already a contact point to support this for anyone in need e.g. social services direct

_ What can be expected - e.g. can ask your GP for a longer appointment, can have someone with you at meetings

_ Complaints - clear access to guidelines to making complaints - how, who, when, where, at what level,.

11.2.2 A Carers Information Pack

Including basic information that can be used by every carer but with the ability to add local or specific information as needed by the individual:

_ Recognising yourself as a carer

_ Getting others to recognise you as a carer

_ Recognising own help or support needs

_ How to be positively directed - what do I need to do now I am a carer?

_ Personal Finances

_ Legal action e.g. Lasting Powers of Attorney

_ Checklist of activities

11.2.3 Timing and availability

Feedback from carers in Hampshire is that information about services available for people in each community should be available:

_ about all different services and facilities

_ when needed

_ at a wide range of access points

_ via a wide range of organisations

_ Coordinated - across similar boundaries and with similar needs i.e. locality based and co-terminus

_ Through GP surgeries

_ Through statutory/voluntary organisations using a common shared, source

_ In libraries

_ Non judgemental/non threatening information delivered in a professional way

_ use all available local resources e.g. Parish Magazines

Confidentiality is a key issue for carers and can cause difficulties when dealing with health and social care professionals, for example, on discharge from hospital with the person they are caring for. Confidentiality and the needs of the carer must be considered.

11.2.4 Accessibility

Information needs to be accessible to all people in the community. Published information will be available:

_ by and for a wide range of individuals and groups

_ in appropriate formats

_ in appropriate languages

_ disseminated in targeted areas and through community networks

_ in easy to read versions

Information must be independent and balanced.

11.2.5 Presentation

Information should be presented in a variety of methods and types and from a wide range of sources.

Items should be simple, effective, non glossy, easily reviewable, updated regularly e.g. The Guide to Care at Home

11.2.6 Developing information networks

All the information that could support carers is not held by one person or organisation. To ensure information is gathered from all areas, local groups and individuals will be supported to gather locality-based information which will be collated centrally.

Use of existing resources, projects and national projects will avoid duplication of work.

11.3 Local profile of carers by area and amount of care provided

Incidence of carers in Social Services areas based on Census 2001 Information

Social Services Area	Number of people who provide unpaid care: 1-19 hours a week	Number of people who provide unpaid care: 20-49 hours a week	Number of people who provide unpaid care: 50+ hours a week	Total number of people who provide unpaid care	All people in the area	Carers as a percentage of area population
Alton & Aldershot	14,977	1,650	3,098	19,725	238,346	8.3
Basingstoke	9,445	1,120	2,105	12,670	152,573	8.3
Eastleigh & Romsey	11,448	1,228	2,542	15,218	161,446	9.4
Fareham & Gosport	11,931	1,603	3,233	16,767	186,303	9
Havant & Petersfield	11,611	1,496	3,405	16,512	168,459	9.8
New Forest	12,853	1,582	3,262	17,697	169,331	10.5
Winchester & Andover	11,847	1,185	2,214	15,246	163,645	9.3
Total or Average	84,112	9,864	19,859	113,835	1,240,103	9.2

Number of carers by area population based on Census 2001 Information

Carers as a percentage of area population based on Census 2001 Information

Carer profile

Carers' hours of care provided comparison by area based on Census 2001 Information

Comment:

The proportion of carers providing between 1 and 19 hours of unpaid care per week accounts for the vast majority of all carers. Overall, the percentage of carers providing between 29 and 49 hours of unpaid care per week is fairly constant between all areas.

Where carers are providing over 50 hours of unpaid care per week, the highest proportions occur in Havant & Petersfield (20.6%), Fareham & Gosport (19.3) and the New Forest (18.4%).

Carers from Black and Minority Ethnic Communities face discrimination and racial stereotyping in accessing services and information. The demographic pattern across Adult Services areas suggests that the majority of people from Black and Minority Ethnic Communities are concentrated in urban areas.

12 Consultation and contact details

This Draft Strategy has been developed as a result of consultation and joint-working. It will help determine how resources for carers are allocated in the future and your views can influence these priorities.

To find out more and contribute views please contact:

· A dedicated website, details

· Email address, details

· A telephone number, details

· Contact address for return of any feedback or questionnaires, detail

· Details of consultation events around the County

Hampshire Carers Strategy

Consultation, Communications and Engagement Plan

Background

Hampshire County Council Adult Services has been working with key local partners including community and voluntary groups, local carers and Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust to agree a partnership approach to addressing the needs of carers in Hampshire and to improving the range and quality of services.

A number of factors make this an important piece of work:

· Carers face increasing roles in community care provision

· An increase in demand for services is anticipated over the coming years due to significant demographic changes and growth in the local population of older people.

· Services need to be aligned and coordinated across the health and social care system in order to support needs efficiently and effectively.

A joint Carers Stakeholder Group was established in July 2007 and has taken a partnership approach to developing  the Strategy.

Stakeholder Engagement to Date

The draft Carers Strategy has been developed via extensive engagement with a full range of stakeholders and service users:

· Steering Group representation from 3 Carers, The Children's Society, One Community in Eastleigh, Carers Together in Hampshire, the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust and Hampshire County Council Adult Services.

· The Carer Consultation Plan has been decided by community sector stakeholders.

· 2 workshops have been held to date (Alton and Basingstoke) organised by Carers Together in Hampshire and attended by approximately 90 and 25 people respectively.

· Community Action Hampshire Health and the Social Care Network was used to inform about strategy development and how to get involved.

· Leading Carers organisations have promoted the Strategy through their networks and mailing lists.

Purpose

Now that a draft Strategy has been developed the next stage is to formally consult on the direction and plans set out in the document. This is in line with good practice set out in the Hampshire Compact. In essence the purpose of the consultation is to:

1 Confirm that the draft Strategy reflects the views and ideas of service users and stakeholders

2 Outline how the views and ideas of service users and stakeholders will be taken forward.

3 Continue the dialogue with service users and stakeholders and further develop the relationships and mechanisms established so far, so that users and stakeholders will continue to shape the implementation of the Strategy

4 Identify any unintended consequences of the proposals

5 Identify possible practical implementation issues

6 To identify any further valued examples of good practice from around the County. Information on these to be disseminated with the final document.

7 Engage directly with key stakeholders previously not part of policy development, this to include representation from Practice Based Commissioning and the Primary Care Trust.

Underpinning these specific aims, the Communications and Engagement Plan will:

· Create an optimum climate of opinion in support of the successful implementation of the Strategy

· Support Hampshire County Council's strategic aims of developing robust partnerships, joint working and a culture of co-operation alongside the meaningful involvement of the public in the planning and provision of health and social care.

Good communications characteristics

In line with the existing Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Primary Care Trust communication and public relations policies, all our communications will be clear, timely, accessible, understandable, accurate, considerate and relevant to the target audience.  In addition:

· We will communicate in ways which recognise the specific needs of stakeholders

· Our communications will be evidence-based

· Our approach will be open

· We will be mindful of the need to maintain confidentiality at times

Communications protocol

· All communications will be shared with the Stakeholder Group for comment prior to publication/distribution

· All communications will be agreed by the Project Manager who is also the  Communication Programme Owner prior to publication/distribution

· All communications will reinforce the agreed key messages

· All general enquiries or staff enquiries will be referred to the Project Manager.

· All media enquiries/approaches will be referred to:

Hampshire County Council

Nicky Capell, Corporate Press Office

Stakeholders/Audiences

There are a range of stakeholders who make up the wider audiences for this strategy as follows:

· Carers

· Community Groups

· Carers Organisations

· Organisations providing support to carers to people with care needs

· Partner Organisations

· Equality Partners

Communications Routes

A range of existing channels and tools, such as Stakeholder and Steering Group Meetings, newsletters, Core- Briefs and organisation's websites will continue to be used. 

These will include:

· A dedicated webpage on the Hampshire County Council website to provide an ongoing update on progress, frequently asked questions + answers. There will be a links to other key websites for example, Wellbeing.

· Briefings using a proforma for concise information in a recognisable format

· Targeted press releases/briefings

· Piggy-back opportunities (articles/features in other media e.g. newsletters, parish magazines, voluntary group communications)

· Email messages to identified individuals/groups on a newsflash or on a planned, regular basis

· Visits to stakeholder groups involved in previous consultation who are not accessible by email, plus targeting of BME groups and gay groups.

Additional voice, print, accessible versions and electronic items will be used or developed to supplement these. 

The requirement for a dedicated email address to capture comments from any internal and external audiences will be considered as part of the planned regular evaluation of communications and their effectiveness.

Style

All printed/printable and web-based communications relating to the project the will be produced in line with HCC standards.  This will satisfy the following criteria:

· The printed text size will be easy to read

· Plain language will be used

· All printed documents created in-house will be easy to photocopy

· Due consideration will be given to the communication needs of service users who do not have English as their first language.

· Accessible versions will be produced.

A range of templates (e.g.  press release, and newsletter) will be developed where required to simplify production.

Learning from others

Networking with other public organisations will help to develop best practice and identify risks and opportunities. 

Costs

Costs will be minimised through the use of existing communications routes and maximising electronic distribution.

Evaluation

The consultation will be evaluated as part of the Post Project Evaluation.

Conclusion

This Communications & Engagement Plan is designed to create an optimum climate of opinion in support of the new draft strategy.  It also is designed to support the aim of developing robust partnerships, joint working and a culture of co-operation alongside the meaningful involvement of the public in the planning and provision of health and social care.

Timescale

Consultation process to begin on Monday 28 January 2008 and end on Monday 21 April 2008.

Resultant Carers Strategy to be brought to Executive decision day May 21 2008.