A helping hand for carers

A new resource has been developed by the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland to highlight the wide range of support available for carers.

Social Security Scotland delivers three payments dedicated to supporting carers - Carer Support Payment, Carers Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant. However unpaid carers also have rights under the Carer’s (Scotland) Act 2016.

The Act recognises the important role of unpaid carers, ensuring they are helped to improve their health and wellbeing and supported in their caring role.

‘A Helping Hand for Carers’ resource pack promotes a range of help at a local and national level, including support plans, wellbeing support, financial assistance and access to short breaks.

The resource was developed with carers and stakeholders to help carers to find out about their rights and to access the support available to them.

Whether caring for a family member, friend or neighbour, support and information is available from organisations including local councils, Citizens Advice, carer centres and Care Information Scotland.

If you work with carers, feel free to download and share the resources from our website. There are printable and digital versions of leaflets and factsheets available.