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Members received an update on the Wirral Adults Carers Strategy. A report had previously been submitted in July 2022, in which approval was granted to co-produce a new Wirral Adult Carers Strategy and establish a Carers Partnership Board, which will oversee the development of Carers Strategy.

The Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee had requested that the renewal of the Wirral Adults Carers Strategy be co-produced and were confident that the final Wirral Adult Carers Strategy provides a good starting point from the co-production events. The Carers Partnership Board will update the strategy as it is developed further and undertake an annual review of progress.

The 2021 Census information on unpaid Carers was expected to be released in January 2023and it is important to include some of the local data before finalising the Strategy. Although only partial data had been released so far, the data on the age, gender, geographical location etc. would be included in future refreshed versions once released. Members were informed that the Wirral Adult Carers Strategy was ready for consultation with key stakeholders.

Councillors raised concerns about unidentified carers in Wirral, including access to training and benefits advice – as well as GPs being aware of patients who are acting as carers. It was noted that the communications for this should be robust, especially around support services and respite services. Also discussed were frailty and social prescribing services.

Committee also queried how many carers attended the co-production events and asked officers if the strategy could be written in a way that addresses carers directly. Officers commented that the board, once established would include carers champions.

Resolved – That the final Wirral Adult Carers Strategy 2023-2026 be approved, recognising there will be continuous development with stakeholders, to be overseen by the Carers Partnership Board.