Key fact
The 2011 Census showed there are 31,982 unpaid carers in Stockport. 6,970 (22% of all carers) provide 50+ hours of care per week. Signpost for Carers estimate the total value of unpaid care in Stockport is £570 million a year.
Key information
- 2,115 carers are under 25 years old; 22,593 carers are aged 25-64; and 7,274 carers are aged 65+.
- Most adult carers provide care for a frail/older person, people with a physical disability or someone with a mental health problem.
- Young carers are more likely than adult carers to be providing care to people with mental health problems, learning difficulty, terminal illness and drug or alcohol problems.
- Caring can lead to major health problems for the carer both physically and mentally and impacts on employment and educational opportunities.
Key issues for commissioners
- Understand the size and need of our carer population, and use JSNA intelligence to inform the appropriate levels of response.
- Continue to improve the identification of and support available to those with dementia and their carers.
- Support healthy ageing across Stockport, recognising that preventative approaches that promote self-care and independence are essential at every life stage.
- Give equal weight to mental wellbeing as a key determinant of physical health and independence.