Carers and Young Carers Strategy

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at 3:41 pm on 28 October 2010.

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Photo of Hugh O'Donnell Hugh O'Donnell Liberal Democrat 3:41, 28 October 2010

I have some sympathy with the member's point. All too often, and despite the person-centred planning approach, which many members in the chamber will know about from experience, professionals present plans to service users as a fait accompli. It is a case of, "This is what we can offer" or "This is what we are prepared to offer." There has to be a mechanism to get round that, notwithstanding the financial challenges that we face. If that has to be the situation, plans must be set out well in advance so that people have the opportunity to plan their lives and organise their care or caring.

The minister was with me and others in West Linton during the summer at a fabulous festival for young carers. However, many of the young people told me that it was the first planned day that they had been able to get away—in some cases, it was the first for two years. That is because those who are responsible for delivering respite and support packages were not doing it, except at the last minute. There has to be a mechanism for addressing that. Notwithstanding the well-intentioned words in this and other strategy documents, a mechanism has to be found to ensure that a strategy for carers is implemented and that it is not impeded by those whose agendas do not include carers.