Dawn Bowden MS, Minister for Children and Social Care
I am very pleased to be announcing a period of public consultation on our new National Strategy for Unpaid Carers. The consultation period will run from 2 February to 13 April 2026, and all information can be accessed here: Draft national strategy for unpaid carers 2026
Our vision is a Carer Aware nation. This means embedding carer recognition and support into the fabric of public services and communities. It means unpaid carers are identified early and provided with the information, resources, and opportunities they need to maintain their own well-being. It also means they are treated as partners in the care and discharge planning for those they care for.
This strategy is rightly ambitious in its aspiration, as there is much to do. We know consistent access to information, advice and assistance for unpaid carers, so they receive help at the earliest opportunity is a key area for national improvement. For carers with specific needs for support, our Ministerial Advisory Group is overseeing an action plan to drive improved provision of carers needs assessments and, where appropriate, meaningful support plans for carers.
The availability of sufficient and appropriate alternative care arrangements (respite) and short breaks for carers is crucial to enable carers to look after their wellbeing. We know that staying in paid employment or re-entering the job market, where at all possible, is a key factor in reducing the financial hardship experienced by so many unpaid carers.
We must also be vigilant that our young carers are not taking on too much, to the detriment of their social and emotional development and educational outcomes.
My officials engaged extensively with unpaid carers and their representatives to inform this draft strategy. The public consultation process is the next vital step to ensure the new strategy is informed by the widest range of unpaid carers across Wales and supporting organisations.
The new National Strategy will be published as soon as possible following the Senedd elections in May.