Foreword
Carers come from all walks of life and are people who support and provide unpaid care for one or more family members. For some this can be long-term and for others it may be short-term or occasional. Caring is vital and rewarding but can lead to stress and strain that can take a heavy toll. When support is needed, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (Belfast Trust) must be responsive and live out our values of working together with carers, embedding excellence in what we do in an open, honest and compassionate way.
Caring is increasingly part of all our lives as more people are living longer in the community.
Evidence tells us that the likelihood of a person providing care during their adult life in Northern Ireland is 66%. It also reveals that most of us will be unpaid carers for our family members or friends at some point in our lives.1 The charity, Carers UK, shares data informing us that every pound spent on Health and Social Care is matched by caring provided by unpaid carers. Without that support, the Health and Social Care system would collapse.
It is in that regard that we have had the privilege to meet and work with many carers over the last number of years. Without exception, they are to be valued as equal partners for their experience and expertise and to have their voice meaningfully listened to in the planning and delivery of services. This will ultimately help support and sustain family and unpaid carers in their caring role.
The establishment of the Carer Network as a formal structure of involvement offers that opportunity. The Carer Network brings together a representative group of carers from across Trust services. The quality and diversity of the Carers Network and their level of experience and expertise has been nothing short of remarkable.
This strategy, Caring Together in Belfast 2024 Onwards, is the result of the Carer Network efforts working together with a committed staff group over many months. The following priorities were then identified and tested through wider engagement and formal consultation.
- Reach all carers
- Navigate carer support
- Support carer health and wellbeing
- Connect with and involve carers
Belfast Trust recognises the significant and vital contribution that carers make. We owe a massive debt of gratitude to those who continue in their caring role for as long as they are able and willing. I commend this strategy and hope it receives the wide support and endorsement it deserves as the call to action is compelling.
Bryan Nelson
Co-Director
Public Health
1 Will I Care: The likelihood of being a carer in adult life (2019) Carers UK