Written question WQ82443

Decisions about the resumption of face-to-face support for young carers and adult unpaid carers rests with local authorities and commissioned service providers, in light of Welsh Government guidance.

In making decisions, they need to ensure the activity can operate in a COVID-safe way with the necessary social distancing in place and that those using the services or accessing activities feel comfortable and happy to return to the modified service.

From 3 May, community centres have been allowed to reopen for all organised activity. However, they will still need to maintain social distancing and limitations do apply (30 people outdoors and 15 people indoors). Guidance on the use of community/care centres is available at: https://gov.wales/safe-use-multi-purpose-community-centres-covid-19

We were pleased so many services responded swiftly to the pandemic and continued to provide help and support in a variety of ways to unpaid carers, and those they care for.

The Welsh Government has funded national carers’ organisations to provide alternative online and phone support services for unpaid carers, for example the new Carers Wales Listening Support Service which is funded via the Sustainable Social Services Third Sector Support Grant scheme (2020-2023). https://www.carersuk.org/wales/help-and-advice/listening-support-service

For many young carers school and college plays a key role in helping them connect with friends and gain emotional and peer to peer support, as well as respite from caring responsibilities at home. As pupils have returned to school and learners to college, this has helped many young carers re-establish contact and provides them with face-to-face support from friends, teachers, school counselling services and other support as appropriate.