The importance of supporting carers and enabling people to live independently at home are both well established aspects of the Scottish Government's approach to health and social care. The Scottish Government recognises the crucial contribution which unpaid carers make to Scottish society and that unpaid care will grow. We also understand the importance of supporting young carers and preventing inappropriate levels of young caring.
The Unpaid Carers Policy Branch, in the Scottish Government's Community Care Division, is working with carers, with the National Carers Organisations and with other partners to improve recognition of the needs and to promote the rights and interests of unpaid carers in Scotland.
There are estimated to be over 650,000 unpaid carers in Scotland. This is 1 in 8 of the Scottish population who are involved in providing care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour to enable that person to continue to live in their own community. We also know that there are many "hidden carers" in Scotland who have not been identified and are not being supported by services.
The Scottish Government acknowledges the significant contribution that these carers make to those for whom they care, but also to their local communities, to wider Scottish society and to the economy. As such, the Scottish Government recognises unpaid carers as key partners in the delivery of care in Scotland, and acknowledges their expertise and commitment.
However, the Scottish Government also appreciates that caring can have an adverse impact on the mental, emotional and physical health of carers. Without appropriate and timely support and information carers can be at real risk of experiencing crisis.
Recognising this, and aware that with Scotland's ageing population the contribution of unpaid carers is set to grow over the coming years, the Scottish Government has committed to develop a new Strategy for Unpaid Carers in Scotland during 2009 and into early 2010. This Carers Strategy will be published in 2010.
The Government also recognises that many young people under the age of 18 years in Scotland are providing unpaid care. While for many this can be a positive experience, we recognise that young carers need recognition, information, breaks from caring and support to enable them to be children and young people first and foremost. The Carers Strategy will have a "lift-out" section on young carers.