COSLA's Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, has called for unpaid Carers' right to breaks at the annual Carers Parliament in Edinburgh.

On Wednesday 27th November, the annual Carers Parliament took place at COSLA's Verity House headquarters in Edinburgh. Carers Parliament is organised by Carers Scotland as a national forum for carers to discuss caring directly with decision-makers.

This year’s Parliament was chaired by Professor Ian Welsh and saw participants discuss a debate motion focused on the future of social care in Scotland. COSLA’s Health and Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, spoke at the event alongside the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd MSP. Reflecting on the opportunity to hear directly from carers, Councillor Kelly commented:

“Carers Parliament is an important forum that helps to shed further light on the lived and living experience of carers and the issues they face in carrying out their vital roles.

The need for greater support mechanisms for carers came through strongly in the debate, in particular around a right to breaks, which has been promised by the end of this parliamentary term. A right to breaks without any further delays and backed by sustainable funding is what carers deserve. COSLA is absolutely committed to advocating for this at every opportunity.” [END]

Further information

For more info on the event, visit https://www.carersuk.org/scotland/