This Carers Week, Sutton Council is shining a spotlight on the diverse voices which have shaped Sutton’s new Carers Strategy. The five-year Strategy sets out how the Council and its partners are working with Carers to improve access to information and services.
Equality has been a guiding principle of the new Carers Strategy: the Council has worked with cultural and community organisations to make sure that the Strategy and services for Carers consider different cultural concepts around caring.
The Carers Strategy vision for 2030 includes improved awareness of the support available to Carers, a commitment to working in partnership with Carers to deliver the Strategy and increased representation of Carers from all communities across Sutton.
Resident stories will be shared throughout the week to highlight the impact Carers have on families and communities, to signpost to support and to encourage more Carers to shape the delivery of the Strategy.
Sutton Council will continue to work closely with the Sutton Carers Centre, which is hosting daily events throughout Carers Week, culminating in the community launch of the Carers Strategy and the opening of Sutton's new Carers Centre, on Friday.
Wendy Wo, a Carer who also interpreted the Hong Kong Carer and Dementia Strategy group, said:
“During the Carer and Dementia Strategy group, I saw an opportunity to raise awareness of cultural differences and highlight needs that can be addressed over time, such as making it easier to access support and participate in the community.
“For me, an example of growing equality for Carers is that my mum can now call the GP herself to make her own appointment. It’s progress, and as a Carer, it’s something I really want to see: it’s less reliance on me, and at the same time, they can gain confidence in daily life.”
Councillor Marian James, Lead Member for Adults and Children, said:
"This Carers Week, I want to thank all Sutton’s Carers for the huge commitment they make to providing care to loved ones. Equality is hugely important and people will see how this is reflected in our strategy. The strategy demonstrates our commitment to working together to make Sutton an inclusive Borough for all and Carers are key to this.
“The voices of Carers have been central to the development of Sutton’s new Carers Strategy. I thank everyone who has taken part in developing the Strategy so far, and strongly encourage all Carers across Sutton to take part in shaping its delivery.”
Rachael MacLeod, Carer and Chief Executive, Sutton Carers Centre, said:
“This is a pivotal moment for unpaid Carers in Sutton. Never have we spoken with so many Carers across all age groups and from so many different backgrounds. This Strategy reflects those conversations and urges us to respond to the challenges Carers and their families face. We are caring more than ever, be it through love or duty, so this Strategy could not be better timed or placed, in recognition of the immense contributions Carers make to our community.”
For more information on Carers Week events, please visit the Sutton Carers Centre website.
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