Recognising and supporting carers is at the heart of a new strategy – and residents can have their say on the plans.
With nearly 10 per cent of county residents saying in the 2021 census that they provide unpaid care, Leicestershire County Council has listened to more than 300 unpaid carers as part of the new plan.
Now a call is being made by the chairman of the county council’s adult social care engagement panel to give feedback on the proposals to help shape the final strategy.
The consultation on the Leicestershire Carers’ Strategy is now open until 14 June 2026, with people able to have their say by visiting our Have Your Say page.
Proposals for the council’s vision include making sure carers are:
- Recognised, valued and listened to and supported to continue caring
- Supported with their wellbeing and access services when needed
- Given accurate, timely and relevant information and advice
Martyn Colebourne, chairman of the engagement panel, said: “Our panel has lived experience of both carers and people who need carers and we know that anyone who has experience with caring has vital has vital knowledge and proficiency they can pass on.
“That’s why I’d encourage people to look at the strategy and give their feedback. I know the engagement panel will giving our say on what’s proposed to make sure it’s the best it can be for our fellow carers.”
County residents, carers, people using adult social care services, organisations that work with carers, and council staff will all be targeted as part of the consultation, with a mixture of online and in-person events to maximise responses.
Councillor Carl Abbott, cabinet member for adult social care said “The plan we’re presenting is a team effort – we’ve spoken to hundreds of unpaid carers about what they need and want from us, and I thank them for their input.
“Looking after someone we care about is something that many of us do, but too often we do not recognise ourselves as carers. This is our vision on how we can make sure carers of all ages get the support they need.
“We want as many carers as possible to take part in this consultation and help us inform our final strategy, so make sure you have your say.”
The final strategy after the consultation and an action plan for Leicestershire will be submitted to cabinet in the autumn.