We're supporting Lincolnshire's new Unpaid Carer's Strategy

The publication of the Government's new Unpaid Carers Action Plan: Recognise, Refer, Reach shines a national spotlight on the importance of identifying, supporting and empowering unpaid carers earlier and more effectively.

The action plan's emphasis on personalised support, recognising carers as equal partners in care, and helping people build confidence in their caring role is strongly aligned with the principles that underpin the It's All About People (IAAP) Personalisation programme.

A new strategy for Lincolnshire

This national direction comes at an important time as Lincolnshire County Council develops a new co-produced Unpaid Carers Strategy 2026–2030.

Created alongside unpaid carers, partner organisations and communities, the strategy sets out a shared ambition to ensure carers:

• Feel recognised and valued.
• Can easily access the right support.
• Have the knowledge and confidence they need.
• Are able to live well alongside caring.

How we're supporting this work

The IAAP team is pleased to be contributing to the strategy and has been invited to lead the emerging Building Skills and Confidence Action Group - one of six priorities identified through the co-production process.

This group will focus on helping carers to:

• Feel confident in their caring role.
• Develop practical knowledge and skills.
• Access the right support when they need it.
• Maintain their own health and wellbeing.

While Lincolnshire County Council will lead the overall strategy, IAAP will support by bringing partners together, sharing learning, championing personalised approaches, and ensuring carers' voices continue to shape future action.

Get involved

Creating lasting change for unpaid carers cannot be achieved by one organisation alone.

Success will depend on health, care, education, voluntary and community organisations, together with people who have lived experience, working together to turn the strategy into meaningful action.

Alongside the Building Skills and Confidence group, there will be opportunities to join action groups supporting the strategy's other priorities. These are:

Recognising and supporting Carers early

Helping more people recognise themselves as carers and access support before they reach crisis point.

Providing clear, simple and connected information and support

Making information, advice and support easier to find, understand and use.

Supporting digital and non-digital inclusion

Ensuring carers can access support in the way that works best for them, whether online, by phone, face to face or within their local community.

Improving wellbeing, access to breaks and life beyond caring

Helping carers maintain their health, wellbeing, relationships, employment and interests alongside their caring responsibilities.

Strengthening support from families, friends and communities

Building stronger community connections, reducing isolation and making the most of local networks and community assets.

Help shape what's next

This is an opportunity to help create a more personalised, connected approach to supporting unpaid carers across Lincolnshire.

If you would like to contribute to one of the action groups or find out more about the emerging strategy, we'd love to hear from you.

Together, we can help ensure unpaid carers are recognised, valued and supported to live well alongside caring.

For more information or to get involved, please contact the IAAP team at lhnt.itsallaboutpeople@nhs.net ​