Lambeth Council is reviewing its Carer's Strategy after the first year of implementation, focusing on supporting unpaid carers across the borough. The Lambeth Together Care Partnership Board met on 6 November 2025, to discuss the progress and future actions of the strategy, which aims to address disadvantages and exclusion experienced by carers.
The Carer's Strategy 2024-2029 is an all-ages initiative developed through collaboration between adult's and children's services, health and social care teams, and Carers Hub Lambeth. The strategy focuses on seven key priorities:
- Mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of carers
- Integrated carers pathway and support offer
- Equipped workforce
- Visibility, recognition, identification and awareness of Carers
- Empowering Carers
- Carer equity
- Helping to prevent carers from financial hardship
A key priority of the strategy is Carer Equity, which aims to ensure equitable access to support for carers from diverse backgrounds. Actions being taken to address this include raising awareness, promoting training opportunities, sharing best practices around equality, inclusion, and diversity, addressing culturally appropriate support, and exploring barriers to access.
At the meeting, the board was asked to note the actions and outcomes delivered in Year 1 of the strategy and to support the actions underway and planned for Year 2. The strategy recognises that unpaid carers from various demographics often face disadvantage and exclusion due to their caring roles, and it aims to provide practical support to address these issues.
Year 1 Highlights
Several initiatives were highlighted as part of the Year 1 review:
- Carers Hospital Discharge Pilot: This pilot program provided support to carers during hospital discharge, with participants reporting feeling understood and reassured.
It felt like someone understood what I was going through, and that I was reassured that I was doing my best.
The support made me feel less alone and less demoralised. Felt good to know back up was available.
It's good knowing there is someone who has local knowledge and experience in this process when your journey starts as a carer, especially when you don't live locally.
- Active Lambeth Discount: Providing discounted memberships and Pay and Play access at Active Lambeth sites.
-
Welcome to Kings
Guide: A guide to support carers at King's College Hospital. - Mental Health Services
Carers Welcome Pack
: Providing resources and support for carers accessing mental health services. - GSTT Hospital Discharge Booklet: A booklet providing information and support for carers during hospital discharge at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
- Lambeth Carer Awards 2024: Recognising and rewarding carers for their contributions.
Year 2 Focus
Planned actions for Year 2 include:
- Respite review for Carers of those with Physical Disabilities and Older People
- Further work on GSTT hospital discharge booklet
- Lambeth Council Corporate Carer awareness training
- Further development of the Carers Champion Model
- Young Carers Card
Young Carers Policy
A key focus for Year 2 is the Young Carers Policy. Young inspectors reviewed the policy and young carer support, which is now drafted and awaiting their sign off. A presentation was given to the Children Families and Education Staff Conference to highlight the work of young inspectors and what a young carer is.
The Lambeth Together Care Partnership Board aims to continue its work with partner organisations to support carers in Lambeth, ensuring they receive the recognition and assistance they need.
