The National Institute for Health and Social Care Excellence (NICE) has today published draft guidelines for local authorities and health and social care practitioners on supporting unpaid carers.

The guidelines include directing carers to appropriate financial and emotional support, as well as encouraging them to discuss supportive working arrangements with their employers.

NICE has also recommended introducing peer support groups and appointing a carers’ champion within the workforce, who can implement the recommendations made in the guidelines and help other staff understand the responsibilities outlined in the Care Act 2014.

Madeleine Starr MBE, Director of Business Development and Innovation at Carers UK, said:

“We’re delighted NICE has published this draft guidance to help health and social care practitioners identify unpaid carers and get them connected to the help and support they need.

“Being able to discuss flexible working can make all the difference to someone juggling work and care and I was pleased to give evidence to the Advisory Group about the types of support that can help those combining work and unpaid care.

“Peer support groups and embedded  carers’ champions could be instrumental in supporting unpaid carers to manage their caring role and look after their own needs too.”