Advice & Information

Finding out about services, rights and entitlements which can support you in your caring role can be difficult and time-consuming. We can provide information on a range of topics and advise you on them. For example: Rights and entitlements; Self-Directed Support; and, financial assistance.

This can be face to face, over the telephone or on-line. We are able to provide advice and information in the following community languages: Cantonese; Mandarin; Arabic; Hindi; Bengali; Nepali; Punjabi; Urdu; Odiya; and, Madi.

The Carers (Scotland) Act (2016)

The Carers (Scotland) Act (2016) Carers’ (Scotland) Act 2016 came into effect on 1st April 2018 giving carers new rights in law. These rights are:

  • The right to have an Adult Carer Support Plan (ACSP);

  • The right to a Young Carer Statement for young carers (YCS);

  • The right to support as a carer if you meet the threshold set by your local authority;

  • The right to be involved in hospital discharge;

  • The right to advice and information; and,

  • The right to be involved in planning.

Local authorities are also required to consider how the above can be effectively discharged to meet the needs of carers with one or more protected characteristics.

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/equality-act/protected-characteristics

Download:

Carers Scotland Act 2016 and Equalities

Carers Scotland Act (English)

Carers Scotland Act (Written Chinese)

Carers Scotland Act (Urdu)

Challenging Social Care Decisions in Scotland

The National Carers Strategy Scotland

The National Carers Strategy Scotland https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-carers-strategy/documents/ was published in December 2022. The Strategy focuses on five different aspects of unpaid carer support: living with COVID-19; recognising, valuing and involving carers; health and social care support; social and financial inclusion; and, young carers.

Self-Directed Support (SDS) for Carers

Carers can now get support for themselves under the Social Care (Self-Directed Support) (Scotland) Act (2013). Self-Directed support is how social care is delivered in Scotland. It gives the individual as much choice and control over how that support is delivered as they want. https://www.gov.scot/publications/self-directed-support-guide-carers/documents/

To access the Understanding SDS pages, click on the red boxes below:

Understanding SDS - Chinese

Understanding SDS - Urdu

Financial Assistance

Carers can experience financial pressures due to the increased costs of caring. Financial support is available from a variety of sources including welfare benefits, financial assistance funds and charitable grants. We can provide advice and information on the above.

Due to funding arrangements, this service is only available in the following local authority areas:

  • Advice and information for Chinese and South Asian carers: City of Edinburgh

  • Advice and information for Arabic speaking carers: City of Edinburgh

  • Advice and information on Self-Directed Support for Black & Minority Ethnic carers: City of Edinburgh, Mid, East and West Lothian

  • Advice and information for Gypsy/Traveller carers: Edinburgh & Lothians, Perth & Kinross, Mid & North Argyll

  • Advice and information for Gypsy/Traveller young carers:  we are still waiting on confirmation as to whether we have been successful in securing a grant (decision expected by end of March 2023 and if successful, service will begin July 2023)

  • Advice and information for Gypsy/Travellers (accommodation and housing): Scotland wide

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Advocacy & Casework