ALLIANCE Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry evidence – Impact on unpaid carers
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 9th May 2024
Our Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, gave an evidence briefing to the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry on unpaid carers.
The ALLIANCE’s Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, was invited by the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry to give evidence on the impact of the pandemic on unpaid carers on 8 May 2024.
Throughout the pandemic, unpaid carers and carer organisations the ALLIANCE that they felt that they were overlooked in decisions being made. Carers were having to move to full time caring roles without acknowledgment or warning, there was a lack of clarity and confusion in information and communication, fear and isolation compounding negative impacts on mental health and wellbeing, an impact on relationships, a lack of recognition of trauma and provision of impractical support and advice.
The ALLIANCE knows that the virus and the impacts of the resulting restrictions have disempowered many unpaid carers in their ability to access health services and negatively impacted their health and human rights.
When unpaid carers find it difficult accessing health care and support, it does not solely impact them but also the people they provide care and support for. At the Living with COVID-19 Carers Parliament event, participants outlined their concerns about carers becoming unwell, and the implications that this would have on their caring responsibilities and for the people they support, particularly where there is a lack of contingency planning and support from social care services.
Exacerbating this is the stark impact the pandemic had on the third sector: many third sector health and social care organisations closed at the outset of the pandemic, faced loss of fundraised income and volunteers, and employment cuts. This meant that vital services were not being delivered in some areas, with an ensuing impact on social care packages. The third sector continues to be undervalued and under resourced.
For future learning we recommend that:
- Unpaid carers can access social and community care when needed.
- Person centred support and care is embedded across services.
- Inclusive and accessible communications and guidance is provided.
- Co-production with unpaid carers is prioritised.
- Fair funding for the third sector is delivered.
- Accountability mechanisms are sustained.
You can watch the clip of Sara giving evidence to the Scottish COVID-19 here. or you can read the evidence briefing in full via the link below.
End of page.
You may also like:
We have submitted a parallel report to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for its examination of rights in the UK.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE welcome the aims of widening access to palliative care, but actions must be underpinned by resources and accountability.
Continue readingAutistic Knowledge Development and National Autistic Society Scotland celebrate the success of the Embrace Autism programme.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE wants to hear from you if you have experienced barriers to accessing Self-Directed Support.
Continue readingThe First Minister has reiterated his commitment to the continuation of Contact Scotland BSL.
Continue readingThe Policy and Public Affairs programme influenced government policy in many areas over 2024.
Continue readingRaising awareness of key areas of women’s health, challenging myths and stigma through positive dialogue, and lived experience forums.
Continue readingWhilst the draft Covenant is a positive start, it is unclear how it's aims will be realised in practice.
Continue readingWho Cares? Scotland publishes their third Lifelong Rights Issue Paper on Belonging and Connections.
Continue readingSHRC publishes State of the Nation report examining the civil and political rights of all people in Scotland.
Continue readingFill out a survey to share your experiences as a single parent in accessing higher education.
Continue readingALLIANCE signs joint letter calling on political leaders to reaffirm UK commitment to human rights obligations on Human Rights Day 2024.
Continue readingGMC Scotland have published a new report which analyses trends in the medical workforce across the UK.
Continue readingThe government is working with Public Health Scotland to support NHS Boards to operate as effective 'Anchor' institutions.
Continue readingHave your say in Public Health Scotland's (PHS) equality outcome consultation.
Continue readingNHS Education for Scotland (NES) are currently consulting on their equality outcomes for 2025-29.
Continue readingOrganisations across Scotland are urging the Scottish Government to prioritise the Scottish Human Rights Bill.
Continue readingA report from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society calls for governments across the UK to work on a strategy to manage medicine shortages.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE welcomes the announcement of a new statutory levy to tackle gambling harms.
Continue readingThe Scottish Human Rights Commission have published a report on all economic, social and cultural rights in the Highlands and Islands.
Continue readingOur briefing ahead of the 2025-26 Scottish Budget calls for a human rights based approach to funding and delivering services.
Continue readingLet's Be Heard will finish gathering experiences of the pandemic in Scotland on 29 November 2024.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE is hosting several events across December - February in support of the Scottish Government's Women's Health Plan.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE have joined a new campaign group urging action on fair taxation to fund essential services including health and social care.
Continue readingEdinburgh researchers are set to examine the perspectives of deaf survivors of domestic abuse, focusing on how this trauma affects families.
Continue reading