MID-20-14 - Carer Support Service

Tender description

Midlothian Council are seeking expressions of interest from Providers with experience of delivering a Carer Support Service to unpaid carers. Currently there is a small collection of third sector organisations providing support services to unpaid carers in Midlothian. The provider group is a combination of a main provider hosting and operating the carer centre and providing individual, group and peer support, information and advice only to unpaid carers; and other age or condition-specific (e.g. Dementia, specialist support services) providers offering support, information and advice to unpaid carers. Services are for adults over the age of 16. The main carer support service has grown organically over a period of time due in part to the changed legislative landscape arising from implementation of the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016. Services will be required to deliver against the duties and responsibilities within the Act and also be aligned to outcomes highlighted in the Midlothian Carers Strategy and Action Plan. Current service provision includes: direct carer support including individual, group and supporting peers; supports to promote and improve physical, emotional and economic wellbeing; carer training; operation of the short breaks service; information and advice services; carer outreach services. The service re-design will include all these areas of service provision and additional reporting requirements including the Carer’s Census.