Wandsworth Adult and Young Unpaid Carers’ Charter

The Wandsworth Adult and Young Unpaid Carers' Charter sets out priorities for all local organisations to work towards.

Background

Across Wandsworth, around 18,000 people provide unpaid care for their partner, family, friend or a neighbour. Making sure that all these unsung heroes get the support they need and deserve is a key priority for us.  

To achieve this, we have worked with unpaid carers to develop a Charter. The Charter sets out priorities that statutory authorities, voluntary and community groups, and all local organisations can  pledge to work towards to make sure that local carers are supported in the way that is appropriate for them.

The Charter

The following statements in the words of unpaid carers are principles of the Charter. 

Working together

I have access to appropriate information and services for me and the person I care for at all stages.

I want professionals who understand the challenges and issues of being in a caring role.

As a carer, I want my lived experience, views and opinions to be valued by professionals including social workers and hospital discharge teams.

I want professionals to communicate effectively with each other to provide seamless support and clear communication pathways with professionals.

Health and wellbeing

I am offered support to understand how to look after my own physical and mental health and wellbeing so that I can take proactive steps to achieve this.

I am able to receive a quick response from health and social care if my situation changes.

I am made aware of any financial and other practical support that I may be entitled to.

I am able to receive support to access or continue with education, training or employment.

Young carers

I have the opportunity to meet other young carers who are in a similar situation to me.

I am able to access age appropriate help to look after my own mental and physical health.

I am supported to maintain my friendships, interests and hobbies outside of my caring role.

Teachers and staff understand the impact that caring can have on my studies and help me to feel supported.

I am supported in moving seamlessly from child to adult services.

A life alongside caring

I am able to access a Carers assessment or review in good time when I need one.

I am made aware of support available in the community that will help me in my caring role such as training and social groups.

I am offered respite options that work for me and am supported to maintain hobbies or interests outside of my caring role.

I am able to maintain relationships with family and friends.

Supporting the Charter

By local organisations signing up to the Charter and supporting unpaid carers of all ages, they will:

• Increase awareness around unpaid carers and former carers off all ages and what support is available
• Help unpaid carers to recognise themselves as carers and access early support
• Help to empower and recognise unpaid carers in their caring role
• Help to build a positive and inclusive organisation where unpaid carers feel valued
• Help employees and students who are unpaid carers feel valued and supported, improving their wellbeing and reducing the likelihood of needing to miss education, give up work or reduce their working hours
• Improve working practices which increase loyalty, motivation and retention which should have a positive effect on performance
• Support current and former unpaid carers to bring their unique and valuable skills into the workplace and community
• Enable their pledges, actions and outcomes to be reported through an annual Charter update, presented to the Wandsworth Health and Wellbeing Board

Submit your pledge

Submit the form to pledge your organisation's support for the Wandsworth Adult and Young Unpaid Carers' Charter.

We will be reviewing the outcomes of the Charter annually and Council officers may contact you to discuss progress. 

Pledge your organisation's support

Example pledges and actions

Example pledges and actions organisations could make to reflect the Charter.

We will:

• Train all staff and volunteers to identify and support unpaid carers, including young carers
• Include carer identification questions in service user, patient or student intake forms
• Ensure carers are involved in shaping the services we provide
• Ensure young and young adult carers are involved in decisions that affect their education and wellbeing
• Offer flexible support options to accommodate carers’ responsibilities
• Make available information about local support options for carers
• Ensure carers are involved in decision making about the person they care for
• Implement carer-friendly HR policies, including flexible working and leave arrangements
• Actively identify and recognise young carers and think about how we can support them as education providers
• Share information with carers about their rights
• Identify staff/volunteers with caring responsibilities and put in place strategies to support them in the workplace
• Promote access to wellbeing activities and respite opportunities for carers
• Signpost carers to local health, social care, and community services
• Create safe spaces for young carers to connect and relax with peers
• Help connect young carers to local support services
• Offer carer focused activities to give carers a break
• Collaborate with local partners to create inclusive, accessible environments for carers and those they care for
• Celebrate Carers Week and other awareness events to highlight carers’ contributions
• Promote opportunities for carers to get involved

Monitoring and reporting

We will review our progress annually and contribute to the Wandsworth Health and Wellbeing Board’s Charter update to ensure transparency and continuous improvement.