A new deal for carers, which comes into force in April 2018, will be one of the topics discussed at a public engagement meeting on Wednesday 21st February 2018 in Lecture Theatre, Stirling Community Hospital, Livilands Gate, Stirling.

Organised by NHS Forth Valley’s Stirling Public Partnership Forum, those attending will hear about how the Carers Scotland Act 2016 has been created to support carers’ health and wellbeing and help make caring more sustainable, Not only will it provide better and consistent support for Scotland’s estimated 745,000 adult carers and 44,000 young carers, but it also aims to ensure that youngsters looking after family members enjoy the same sort of childhood as their peers.

In addition, the new legislation includes a need for local authorities to offer an advice service for carers which provides information on a range of topics including emergency and future care planning, advocacy, income maximisation and carers’ rights.

The Act is designed to support the Scottish Government’s vision of a healthier and fairer Scotland.

The meeting on Wednesday 21^st February 2018 starting at 7.00pm will also touch upon the redesign of mental health services and learning disabilities across the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership.  Anyone who wishes to attend or requires crèche facilities or an interpreter should contact Jessie-Anne Malcolm, NHS Forth Valley’s Public Partnership Forum Co-ordinator, on 01324 614660 or email Jessie.malcolm@nhs.net