The case for services for carers

There is a strong financial argument for commissioning for carers, as well as a need to minimise the inequalities that carers face and improve outcomes for them in health, education, work and well-being. Commissioning for Carers: an Action Guide for Decision-Makers, 2009

The National Carers' Strategy 2008 sets out what needs to be achieved for carers by 2018, including:
	Protecting carers' own mental and physical health
	Giving carers access to the integrated and personalised services they need to support them
	Ensuring that carers can enjoy a life of their own.
The Performance Assessment Guide 2008–09 for adult services focuses on delivery of the National Carers' Strategy, featuring new requirements for carer support, such as:
	Becoming expert care partners
	Being actively engaged in commissioning decisions
	Being supported to continue in employment or return to work

The MS Society can help commissioners to better understand the needs of carers by, for example, arranging MS service user reference groups. Such groups provide the active engagement with carers now required of all commissioners.

If you would like to discuss the help that the MS Society can provide please visit the contact page to get in touch with a local service development officer.

Download PDF: Commissioning for Carers (2009)
Download PDF: Commissioning for Carers Action Guide (2009)

Visit the MS Society to learn more about its Carers Programme: www.mssociety.org.uk
View the MS Society's range of free publications here