Millions of unpaid carers in England are to be identified earlier and referred to support sooner under a new cross-government action plan published today.
The government says nearly one in 10 people in England provides unpaid care for family members, friends or loved ones. It says many carers face difficulties maintaining work or education, protecting their own health, dealing with loneliness or isolation and taking breaks from caring responsibilities.
The plan is built around three areas: recognising carers, referring them to services and helping them reach their potential. Ministers say this includes early identification, particularly of young carers, followed by referrals to financial, employment, health and social care support where needed.
Measures include enabling unpaid carers to register their role on the NHS App so health professionals can see that they are carers, involve them in care planning and direct them to appropriate help. A single patient record is intended to reduce the need for carers to repeat information about the person they support, while helping with appointments and prescriptions.
The government also plans a GOV.UK information page bringing together guidance on health, social care, employment and benefits. The evidence says this page is due to launch this summer. A carers' charter is also to be published, setting out further information for unpaid carers.
Care Minister Stephen Kinnock said the plan was intended to address challenges faced by unpaid and young carers, including barriers to education, work and health. The government has linked the measures to its wider plans for a national care service.