Evidence library

Working in partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), the Scottish Government has reviewed the National Strategy for Carers in Scotland published in 1999. This review has been informed by evaluating the progress made in meeting the 22 recommendations of the Care 21 Report: The Future of Unpaid Care in Scotland and the contribution of key stakeholders including local government social work, NHS Boards and the voluntary sector. One of the most significant changes informing the revised strategy is the inclusion of a specific young carers part within the strategy. This reflects the Scottish Government?s view that young carers have distinct needs and support requirements that need to be addressed separately, whilst recognising the connections between the young carers? and carers parts of the strategy. This report on unpaid carers in Scotland will contribute to this review by providing key findings that can support the development of effective government policy on care and caring in Scotland today. The report outlines some of the main sources of statistical information on carers in Scotland. These include the 2001 Census and the Scottish Household Survey (SHS) 2007/2008, as well as other official data. It is intended that the report will be used by both the Scottish Government and voluntary and statutory sector stakeholders working with carers in Scotland, to provide a better shared understanding of carers.