Unpaid carers urged to shape new Wales strategy
A public consultation has opened on a new National Strategy for Unpaid Carers in Wales, with the Welsh Government setting out an ambition to become a “Carer Aware” nation.
The consultation, which runs from Monday 2 February to Monday 13 April 2026, invites carers, families and organisations to comment on the draft strategy before a final version is published.
Hannah Blythyn has welcomed the launch of the consultation and urged carers in North Wales to take part.
She said: “For too long, unpaid carers have been the hidden backbone of our communities, often putting their own health, work and wellbeing second to support someone they love.
“I have raised in the Senedd the need to recognise carers earlier, improve access to respite, and ensure their voices are properly heard. This strategy is a real opportunity to turn those words into action, and I urge carers and families across North Wales to have their say.”
The draft strategy sets out a vision for Wales to become a “Carer Aware” nation, embedding carer recognition and support across public services and communities.
According to the Welsh Government, it aims to ensure unpaid carers are identified early and provided with timely information, resources and opportunities to support their own wellbeing. It also promotes the involvement of carers as partners in care and discharge planning.
Improving consistent access to information, advice and assistance at the earliest opportunity is identified as a national priority. For carers with more complex support needs, a Ministerial Advisory Group is overseeing an action plan to strengthen carers’ needs assessments and develop support plans where appropriate.
The draft strategy also addresses the needs of young carers, with a focus on preventing excessive caring responsibilities that may negatively affect their social and emotional development and educational outcomes.
Hannah Blythyn added: “I regularly hear from carers who feel exhausted, overlooked and unsure where to turn for help. Becoming a truly ‘Carer Aware’ nation means listening to those lived experiences and designing services around them. This consultation is a chance for carers to shape the future of support in Wales, and I strongly encourage everyone affected to take part.”
The draft strategy has been informed by engagement with unpaid carers and representative organisations across Wales.
The final National Strategy for Unpaid Carers is expected to be published following the Senedd elections in May.
Full details of the consultation and the draft strategy are available on the Welsh Government website.
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