Information for adult carers

The Carers (Scotland) Act came into effect on 1 April 2018. The aim of the act is to make sure that carers receive support to help them to continue with their caring role. The Act requires that we do the following:

• Put in place Adult Carer Support Plans and Young Carer Statements to help carers identify their needs and personal outcomes
• Provide an information and advice service for carers that must provide information and advice on a range of matters including emergency and future care planning, advocacy, income maximisation and carers’ rights
• Set our own eligibility criteria to make sure that all carers identified needs are assessed in the same way
• Make sure that all carers are involved in any hospital discharge plans for the person that they care for
• Put in place our own local carers strategy.

The East Lothian Carers Strategy has been written in consultation with carers, carer organisations, other third sector partners and staff across the Health and Social Care Partnership.

The strategy aims to provide support to carers across a range of services such as Health, Social Care services, Education, Carer and other organisations as well as support from the community. The support will ensure that carers of all ages across East Lothian are able to get the help that they need to maintain their quality of life, health and wellbeing.

The strategy sits alongside an Action Plan that sets out how we plan to deliver the outcomes listed in the strategy.

Download the East Lothian Carers Strategy and Action Plan

Developing Carers Strategy for 2026 and beyond

East Lothians Carers strategy is due for renewal in June 2026 and will be shaped by the voices of local carers, please answer these three short questions to inform the strategy priorities or you can give more information through our “share your caring experiences” button on the next page.