Caring Counts
Autumn 2022
Quarriers Carer Support Service (Moray)
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it all ab s t’ a h w : e ic v r e S re a National C
The creation of the National Care Service (NCS) is necessary to deliver the consistency and quality of care and support across Scotland that people deserve. It reinforces a commitment to change society and make it a fairer, more equal place to live. From the end of this Parliament, the NCS will be directly accountable to Scottish Ministers for care and support, promoting local responsibility for the design and responsiveness of care and support to the needs of our communities. It will champion quality and embrace improvement across all aspects of the system. It will embed a human rights-based approach to everything it does. It has repeatedly been highlighted that the system must change. Whilst there are existing examples where support provided is simply life-changing, there is clear evidence of a need for improvement in how social care, social work and community health work for people. People want/need services delivered at a time and by a method that best suits them and that builds on their strengths. The NCS must be responsive to that. Building on previous integration work will: •
deliver a system that is genuinely accountable to people
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promote best value across care and support by driving up quality
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embed a human rights-based approach
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recognise the breadth of value in the workforce
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develop preventative strategies and avoid crisis interventions
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smooth artificial transitions
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build strong and resilient communities
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support localism and partnership.
Community health and social care must deliver as one for people, drawing in other services that make a difference. Everyone should have access to consistent quality care and support, whatever their age and wherever they live.
Integral to development is ensuring social care, social work and healthcare workforces are valued—pay, terms and conditions, skills development and career pathways delivered ambitiously across all providers and employers. Unpaid carers, including young carers, must also be recognised for the essential contribution they make to the lives of others and also the economy. It is vital they can all easily access the information and support they need to maintain their health and wellbeing. The statement of benefits is just the beginning of the conversation. The Scottish Government is committed to establishing a functioning NCS by the end of the parliamentary term in 2026. The NCS Bill to Parliament, which sets out a framework for the changes is currently at Stage 1 of 3. This process will not be rushed as engagement with people both accessing and providing support is necessary to create and codesign the detail. There will be engagement, communication and collaboration with people at every stage to get delivery right. As the NCS grows and develops new ways of doing things, this plan of action will allow for a quick response to any changes. While the NCS is being developed, new and ongoing national improvement approaches will support the successful delivery of integrated services. Establishing a National Care Service is a huge undertaking, and it must be done properly. Working together will bring about the significant improvements everyone wants to see. Humza Yousaf MSP Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Kevin Stewart MSP Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care National Care Service—Statement of Benefits, 2022
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appens h t a h w : e ic v r e S re a National C
All bills must pass through three basic stages:
Stage 1 The bill is considered by the most appropriate Parliamentary Committee, and others where relevant. A report is written. The Committee lays a motion stating whether it believes, on the basis of the report, that the general principles of the bill should be agreed to. If Parliament does not agree, the bill will ‘fall’ and proceed no further.
Stage 2 If the bill proceeds, it undergoes detailed lineby-line scrutiny by the appropriate Committee, Parliament or combination of both. Usually more than one Committee will look at the bill and make amendments. Individuals/organisations can also suggest amendments by contacting MSPs who sit on the committee.
Stage 3 The bill is considered by the whole Parliament and certain further amendments can be made. Parliament will vote on the (amended) bill which will either pass or fall. Once a bill has been passed by Parliament, there is a 4-week period in which the decision may be challenged by the Advocate General, the Lord Advocate, the Attorney General or the Secretary of State for Scotland.
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Your views, at this stage, could help improve the proposed law and consolidate whether the draft Bill should be passed into law or not.
How to submit views You can submit your views on the general principles of the Bill, the Financial Memorandum, and specific provisions using the online submission form below: •
https://yourviews.parliament.scot/health/ national-care-service-bill/
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https://yourviews.parliament.scot/health/ national-care-service-bill/consultation/
You can also make brief comments about sections of the Bill, or ask a question on the Scottish Parliament engagement website at https://engage.parliament.scot/ community/5052 The Coalition of Carers has put together some useful information that you can access at www. carersnet.org/ncs-bill/ The deadline for submissions and comments is Friday 2 September 2022. This Bill, once passed, will dictate the support available going forward - support that you and the person you look after may come rely on. We can not stress how important it is for you to be involved with this ‘Call to View’ process. Once the National Care Service Bill becomes law, it is as good as written in stone.
Once this period has closed, the Presiding Officer submits the bill for Royal Assent and once this has been received, the bill becomes an Act of the Scottish Parliament. The National Care Service Bill is currently at Stage 1. The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, (and others) are looking at the detail of the proposals. 3
cafés r re a c k a re b a g in k Ta
Photos taken by Kyle Wilkinson at our Carers Week Carer Cafés throughout Moray. 4
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ow Keeping the costs d
If you use oil to heat your home keep an eye on the prices and buy when they are lower.
Children aged 16 and under can eat for £1 in Asda during the summer holidays. The offer runs until 4 September.
www.boilerjuice.com gives you quick, up-to-date, online information under price charts, heating oil prices (Scotland)
There is a range of discounts available to unpaid carers— money-saving deals and vouchers that you’re entitled to, including travel and holiday deals, money off top fashion brands, savings on homeware and electricals, through to deals on mobile phones, utilities and gym memberships. The amazing things you do every day should be rewarded. You deserve it. www.discountsforcarers.com Asda has launched an online moneysaving advice hub to help cash-strapped parents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis who face a new financial challenge this summer – how to keep children occupied during the long school holidays when budgets are squeezed. It is a one-stop website where customers can access a wide range of hints, tips and hacks, which go beyond the weekly food shop, covering how to save energy, budget better, buy and cook smarter, entertain the kids for free and even eat out without paying a penny. www.asda.com/essential-living
If you bank online it’s worth checking your accounts as some banks offer cashback deals with certain accounts. Other top cashback sites are: TopCashback: www.topcashback.co.uk Quidco: www.quidco.com 5
Time to Live Have a think about the following: •
What benefits would you like to get from having a break?
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What benefits do you need to get from a break?
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Set aside real life for a moment and imagine you can do anything you want. What would you really like to do?
There is a good chance you won’t be able to do exactly what you want because you can’t get away for long enough, or you don’t have enough money, or you can only find cover for the person you are looking after for so long. However, in recognising what appeals to you, you have the beginnings of a break you would like to take. By asking yourself a few more questions - Do I want to take a break on my own? Do I want to have a break with others? Do I need to ask family or friends to help out? the dream may not become reality but you might be surprised at how close you can come, with a little support.
Everyone deserves a break – a chance to relax and have time away from routines and responsibilities. •
It needs to be the ‘right break’ for you.
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That ‘right break’ might be anything from being away on holiday to having time for a regular hobby or getting some time alone.
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You may have concerns about the person you’re looking after and how you will manage a break, but there’s help available to consider options.
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There will be practical things to consider – like time, money and possibly replacement care – but let’s start by focusing on what would benefit you.
We know you tend to put your own needs and interests last, but it’s important you put yourself first sometimes. If you become unable to care, what will happen to the person you look after?
Jennifer is a single parent and carer for her youngest child who has Autism and Developmental Global Delay. Under normal circumstances, Jennifer would have loved to have been able to use her Short Break for an actual break away. However, the benefit of the Time to Live programme is its flexibility. Taking this into account, Jennifer changed her plans and bought an exercise bike instead. Getting to the gym was difficult due to daily pressures but Jennifer knew that exercise always helped her mental health. An exercise bike at home provided the perfect solution for a regular wellbeing break.
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I feel physically and mentally better. I have more energy, less anxiety and cope better as a carer. Because I can use it as often as I like, when I’m struggling, half an hour on my exercise bike makes all the difference.
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Coming up
Like to spend more time outdoors, learn about organic gardening, make new connections and get into a healthy routine? Mondays 9.30am - 2.30pm For more information, visit https:// buytickets.at/moraywellbeinghub/687940
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ncy?(Moray) e g r e m e n a r fo Carer Support Service y d a Are you re Supporting Carers in Moray You can be caring for someone for ANY number of hours.
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As an unpaid carer, working e h t f o it is necessary lso have a n o i t a l popu ng role. i r a c d i a to have an an unp emergency plan in place to enable others to step in and take over until you are able to get back to the person you look after.
You do NOT have to be living in the same household as the person you are providing care to.
You do NOT have to be in receipt of Carers Allowance.
We can provide a basic planning template for you to complete yourself or we can help you with it. Call us on 01343 556031. If you support a friend, neighbour or family member with a condition or disability, you are a carer.
Quarriers Carer Support Service (Moray) 44 High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BU Quarriers Carer Support Service (Moray) carersmoray@quarriers.org.uk 44 High Street Elgin, IV30 1BU www.quarriers.org.uk/ne Phone: 01343 556031 Email: carersmoray@quarriers.org.uk
The person you are caring for does NOT have to be receiving a social care package.
Don’t forget to check out our website What’s On calendar www.quarriers.org.uk/carersmoray Quarriers is a registered Scottish Charity No. SC001960
www.quarriers.org.uk/carersmoray Quarriers is a registered Scottish Charity No SC001960
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