In a significant move towards enhancing adult social care and supporting unpaid carers nationwide, the government has allocated £20 million for innovative projects across the country.
This funding is part of the Accelerating Reform Fund, aimed at expanding community-based care models and providing digital tools to identify and support unpaid carers.
One of the primary focuses of this initiative is the expansion of community shared living arrangements, such as Shared Lives, a service that matches individuals aged 16 and above with approved carers. Under this scheme, individuals move in with their Shared Lives carer either on a short- or long-term basis, promoting independence and community integration. Short-term care also provides much-needed flexibility and respite for unpaid carers.
Minister for Social Care, Helen Whately, emphasized the government's commitment to ambitious social care reforms aimed at ensuring everyone receives the necessary care and support. She highlighted the significance of innovations like Shared Lives in transforming the care system and supporting unpaid carers.
The funding will also support the development of digital tools to assist unpaid carers, including a self-help tool in Coventry and Warwickshire to provide local support and customized information for carers' wellbeing. Additionally, initiatives in West Yorkshire will facilitate donations of holidays and experiences from businesses to recognize the invaluable contributions of unpaid carers.
The Accelerating Reform Fund, with a total allocation of £42.6 million, aims to support innovative projects in adult social care services over the next two years. This funding will be distributed to lead local authorities across integrated care systems, working in collaboration with various partners to drive sustainable and effective support for individuals with care needs.
Key stakeholders, including the Social Care Institute for Excellence, Carers Trust, and Shared Lives Plus, have expressed optimism about the fund's potential to drive meaningful change in social care. They underscored the importance of supporting unpaid carers and enhancing community-based care models to improve lives and strengthen communities.
The government's long-term vision for adult social care emphasizes choice, quality, fairness, and accessibility. With substantial additional funding allocated for adult social care and support for unpaid carers, the government aims to address the pressing needs of individuals requiring care while empowering and recognizing the invaluable contributions of unpaid carers.