Good progress

Good progress has been made in the first year of the Sefton All‑Age Carers Strategy, which was launched in February 2025. The Strategy sets out how unpaid carers of all ages will be better supported across Sefton over three years. 

Improvements across all six priority areas

The first‑year review shows clear improvements across all six priority areas. More carers are being identified and they are getting better access to support. Stronger partnership have also been forged between the council, health services, schools, and community organisations. 

More people in Sefton are now being identified as carers at an earlier stage. The number of carers recorded has increased, and more carers are registering with Sefton Carers Centre. Awareness events such as Carers Week, Young Carers Awareness Day, and Carers Rights Day have helped raise the profile of caring and recognise carers for the vital role they play. 

Improved access

Carers now have improved access to information and advice and a new carers website - www.sefton-carers.org.uk  -  has been launched.

The site provides clear information and videos, and visits to it doubled over the year. Information is available in different formats, helping carers find support for health, money, services, and social activities. 

Young carers

Young carers continue to be a key focus. All young carers are now offered a transition assessment as they move towards adulthood. Support in schools has grown, and more young carers have taken part in breaks, activities, and wellbeing support.  

Young carers’ voices are also being heard through surveys and national involvement. 

Creating services with carers

Carers in Sefton are increasingly involved in shaping services and decisions that affect them. They have helped co‑create information, taken part in consultations, and shared their experiences through case studies. Work has also begun with employers to better support carers in the workplace. 

Quicker and easier support

Thousands of carers have accessed training, coffee mornings, counselling, group activities, and mental health support. And more carers are using digital tools and online support, helping reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. 

Over 1,000 carers’ assessments were completed in the past year. Waiting times have been reduced to around two weeks, and carers can now access support outside usual office hours. New technology is also helping make assessments quicker and easier. 

Sefton Carers Chief Executive, Vicky Keeley, said: 
 “The first‑year review shows that the Strategy is making a real difference and provides a strong foundation for further improvements as it moves into its second year. 

“While progress has been made, the review also highlights areas needing more focus, including stronger carer identification in health settings, improved support for parent carers, and clearer information across all services. 

“We have made good progress in some areas in the first year and now need to focus on maintaining those improvements and focusing on where more work is needed.” 

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health and Deputy Leader, said: 
“We are really encouraged by the progress made in the first year of the All‑Age Carers Strategy. Supporting carers is central to our vision for a healthier, more inclusive Sefton, and this review shows that our partnership approach is delivering real results. 

“Carers make an invaluable contribution in Sefton every day, and it is vital that they receive the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve.

“We remain committed to building on this progress, working closely with the Carers Centre and co-producing care with carers themselves to ensure support continues to improve and reaches those who need it most.” 

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Cabinet Member for Children Schools and Families, said: 
“It is really encouraging to see the positive impact this Strategy is having for carers of all ages across Sefton. Young carers and families who take on caring responsibilities often face additional challenges, so it is vital they are identified early and supported in the right way. This progress shows we are moving in the right direction, giving children, young people and families the support, recognition and opportunities they need to thrive.” 

More information

For more information or support, visit the carers website at www.sefton-carers.org.uk, where you can contact the team at Sefton's Carers Centre.