How good is your service to carers? A guide to checking quality standards for local carer support services

As part of its National Strategy for Carers, the Government developed and approved in 2000 a set of fixed quality standards for local services to support carers - family and friends looking after those who are sick, disabled, vulnerable or frail. How Good is Your Service to Carers? is designed to help individuals, local groups and service organisations assess how well they meet these quality standards, which cover: information, providing a break; emotional support; support to care for and maintain the carer's own health; having a voice. It enables them to compile basic information about their services for carers, and the population they serve. It gives checklists for rating progress towards meeting the conditions laid out for each quality standard, and offers advice on collecting evidence to demonstrate compliance. It also provides action guidance, which suggests how to use information on the standards to improve services.