Carer’s Week: Trust support of carers is central to delivering high quality care

08 Jun 26

This week is Carer’s Week and it provides an important opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution of unpaid carers, family members, friends and neighbours who provide essential support to the people we care for.

Over the past year, the Trust has strengthened its approach to carer involvement and support, with work shaped by the voices and contributions of carers.

Across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, thousands of people provide unpaid care for family members, friends or neighbours. Their contribution is essential, often helping people stay well and independent. At HPFT, supporting carers is a key part of delivering high quality, person centred care.

Staff are encouraged to identify carers at an early stage, involving them in care planning and ensuring they are offered the support they need to maintain their own wellbeing.

A simple question can make a big difference: “Is there anyone supporting you in your day to day life?” By asking this, staff can better understand who is providing care and make sure they are included and supported.

The Trust has also made strong progress in improving carer involvement. This includes achieving re-accreditation for the Triangle of Care, a nationally recognised framework that helps services work more effectively with carers. This work is supporting teams across inpatient and community settings to embed carer friendly practices in everyday care.

The Trust has also strengthened oversight and leadership through its Carers Trust wide Assurance Group, which brings together expertise from across services to drive improvements and share learning.

Staff have continued to complete Carers Essential Training, helping them to better understand the experiences and needs of carers. Many services are now building on this with additional training specific to their services.

HPFT has also introduced an improved carers assessment, helping carers reflect on their own needs and access support to continue in their caring role. Alongside this, more carers are becoming involved as Experts by Experience, working in partnership with staff to shape and improve services based on lived experience.

By working with carers, HPFT aims to build a more connected, compassionate and carer friendly community for everyone.

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Carer’s Week: Trust support of carers is central to delivering high quality care