Supported to care? carers' views of services

Over the past 25 years there has been a staggering amount of international research into the experiences and needs of carers, as well as an increasing research base into interventions designed to help carers and the people they care for. From this research base we know that the needs of carers often go unmet and they experience many negative effects in all areas of their lives. Carers have become an increasing priority of the Scottish Government. This priority can be seen in legislation, policy development and funding decisions. This has culminated in a national strategy for carers and the recent Care 21 report and the government’s identification of four key priority areas: young carers, respite, carer health and information strategies and carer training. Despite this increasing research base and policy developments, there is still much to do in order to realise a vision where all carers are fully supported in their caring roles.