News Release
29 November 2024

Unpaid carers from across Scotland seek answers from decision makers at the Carers Parliament

Unpaid carers from across the country sought to address their concerns and questions on caring directly to national and local Government officials at the Carers Parliament, held on Wednesday 27 November.

Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, and Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, responded to the unpaid carers about their experiences with caring and issues with the current social care system.

At the event, Social Care Minister Maree Todd outlined her admiration for the work done by carers as she said:

“Your words highlight your commitment and dedication to getting the best possible services and support for your loved ones, and they hold us to account to ensure that we are doing everything possible to make sure this happens.

“I truly appreciate your bravery in sharing your personal experiences and stories. I know that this isn’t always easy to do. It is however vital that we hear from carers and understand the challenges that you are facing.

“You have my commitment that I will continue to work tirelessly, alongside the people who really matter – the people of Scotland – to deliver the improvements we all want and need to see through social care reform to bring about fundamental, sustainable change.”

A recent report, “Valuing Carers 2022: Scotland”, valued the work of the 627,700 unpaid carers in Scotland at £15.9 billion, highlighting how vital this labour is within our society. However, unpaid carers at the Carers Parliament expressed how they often do not get the support they need in their caring role, leaving many feeling failed by the system.

Over 100 unpaid carers attended the event from across Scotland. The Carers Parliament 2024 was held as a hybrid event, with carers attending in person at COSLA Conference Centre in Edinburgh, while others were able to join online and ask questions via a video link.

For the afternoon session, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, provided a video address on future improvements in carer benefits in Scotland. This was followed by officials from the Social Security Policy Division within the Scottish Government, who answered questions and addressed issues on social security and the new Carer Support Payment which is in the process of replacing Carer's Allowance in Scotland.

Other highlights from the day included films created by young carers at the Scottish Young Carers Festival, discussion groups, which focused on benefits and financial security for unpaid carers, and insights from the event Chair, Professor Ian Welsh OBE.

The Carers Parliament is an annual event, funded by the Scottish Government and organised by Carers Scotland on behalf of the National Carer Organisations in Scotland - Carers Scotland, Carers Trust Scotland, Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.

[ENDS]

Notes to editor

• Valuing Carers 2022: Scotland was published on 21 November 2024. The full report can be found here.
• The number of carers in Scotland is from Scotland’s Census 2022, published in October 2024

Assets

Photos from the Carers Parliament 2024 can be downloaded here.

 Media contact

For the Carers Scotland press office please contact:

• Christine Robertson, Media and Communications Officer,
  Email: christine.robertson@carerscotland.org
  Tel: 07864814804
  
  
• Fiona Collie, Head of Public Affairs and Communications,
  Email: fiona.collie@carerscotland.org
  Tel: 07967826238