A key part of the work of Stirling Carers Centre is supporting professionals to identify and refer unpaid Carers to the service, as well as providing the tools and knowledge required to improve the ongoing support of carers.
Our statutory and third sector partners, particularly those working in organisations that support the cared for, are ideally placed to identify and refer Carers to the Centre for support.
Stirling Carers Centre aims to support professionals who work with Carers by:
- Providing awareness raising and training sessions to help staff to identify and signpost unpaid Carers
- Providing resources and publicity materials to help raise awareness amongst your staff and service users
- Providing an efficient online referral process for you to refer Carers to our service
- Having a team of experienced specialists in Carer support for you to contact for information and advice regarding Carers and associated welfare
Referral Form
Use this referral form to refer a Carer to Stirling Carers Service for support.
Professional Training
SCC provides training to professionals who work with Carers.
Education Staff
SCC can support you and the Young Carers in your school – find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost for any of the services?
No, all of our services are provided free of charge.
What is an unpaid Carer?
An unpaid Carer is someone whose life has become restricted by taking responsibility for the care of another who, due to illness, disability or age, cannot manage on their own.
Carers can be parents, partners, children, friends or neighbours and can be any age, from the very young to the very elderly. Carers are ordinary people who simply get on with what has to be done when someone close to them needs support.
Who can access the services?
Stirling Carers Centre works with people who are caring for a family member or friend and live in the Stirling Council area. We can provide support, regardless of the size of the caring role. For more information on criteria for support for young carers (aged 17 and under), click here.
We can also provide support to former Carers for up to two years after their caring role has ended, however please be aware that priority for services will always lie with those in an active caring role.
How do I make a referral?
Anyone can make a referral to the Centre, you do not need to have had prior contact with us. To refer a client you must have their consent, or the consent of a parent/guardian if the Carer is aged 17 or under.
You can make a referral via the website using our online referral form.
I’m not sure if the person is a Carer – can I still make the referral?
Yes. Carer Support Officers will contact the person to determine if they have a caring role. It is always better to make the referral than for a possible Carer to remain hidden and without support. If we feel that the person is not a Carer then we can refer them on for appropriate support.
The Carer doesn’t live in the Stirling Council Area – can they still get support?
If the Carer is an adult and lives out with the area, but is caring for someone who lives within it, then they can still access practical support, however they will not be able to take part in events, activities or training.
If they are a Young Carer living out with the area, but attending a school within the area, we are able to offer 1:1 and school group support, however they will be unable to take part in out of school groups and activities.
Is there a cost for any of the services?
No, all of our services are provided free of charge.
What is a Carer Support Plan?
A Carer Support Plan is a new document that records a conversation between a Carer and a Carer Support Officer. It looks at how their caring role impacts on them, and what support could be put in place to improve the caring situation and the Carer’s own health and well-being.
Can you provide any training to help us identify and support Carers?
Stirling Carers Centre offers free training and awareness raising sessions. We can come to your organisation/group to deliver these, we can deliver them virtually, or we can deliver them in our Centre. Visit our Professionals Training page for more information.
My client finds it difficult to leave the house – can you do home visits?
In certain situations we are able to do home visits to clients who are unable to come in to the Centre, particularly those based in a rural location with poor transport links. We will make contact with the client and determine if a home visit is appropriate.
What is the Forth Valley Carers Card/Young Carers Authorisation Card?
The two Carers cards were developed in conjunction with Carers to support them to self-identify to professionals. They are intended to provide instant recognition among professionals, and to encourage discussion with and inclusion of Carers in the planning of care.
Find out more about the Forth Valley Carers Card here.
Find out more about the Forth Valley Young Carers Authorisation Card here.
