The Worcestershire Carers' Charter

Carers in Worcestershire can expect:

• Choice about undertaking their caring role - regarding the level and extent of care they offer, depending on age, ability and circumstance
• Respect and recognition for their contribution, and inclusion as valued care partners when planning support for the person they care for
• An assessment of their needs and aspirations, irrespective of their personal financial situation
• Personalised information, advice and support that addresses their individual situation
• Support to maintain their own health and well being
• Support for and recognition of their right to a life outside of caring
• Support to provide care in a safe environment
• The right to their say over the support services they receive
• To be treated with respect and dignity, especially regarding their age, gender, disability, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation
• Awareness and understanding by all key agencies of carers issues
• Commitment by all key agencies to identify carers in the community, including those from under-represented groups, and provide appropriate information and signposting to relevant services
• Appropriate support from agencies working in a co-ordinated way
• The right to their say over the delivery of carer support services at a strategic level (if they wish)

What is this charter for?

The purpose of this charter is to describe what carers can expect when accessing support from key services in the county. The charter is a statement of commitment from these key services.

Who is this charter for?

This charter is for all carers aged 18 years and over in Worcestershire who provide care for other adults.

A carer, as defined in the county's new Carers Strategy 'Carers at the Heart of Worcestershire's Families and Communities', is "a person who, free of charge*, looks after over a period of time a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour who because of disability, illness, the effects of old age or any other needs cannot manage at home without help."

* some carers receive Carers Allowance but this is not payment for their caring work but recognition of the extra costs associated with being a carer 

Where does it come from?

This Charter has been developed jointly by Worcestershire County Council's Adult and Community Service Directorate, NHS Worcestershire, Carers Action Worcestershire, and wider representatives of the countywide Carers Consultative Group.

The following organisations have also given their commitment to the charter:

• Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
• Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
• The District Councils of Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills, Redditch, Worcester City, Wychavon and Wyre Forest
• The Worcestershire Association of Voluntary Organisations in Community Care
• Worcestershire's Older People's Forums  
• Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
• Job Centre Plus
• Worcestershire's Citizens Advice Bureaux
• West Mercia Police
• Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service
• West Midlands Ambulance Service

Clearly each organisation will only be able to deliver specific aspects of this charter, and therefore if we are to meet the aspirations of the charter in full we need the full range of organisations to fully commit to its delivery.