Carers provide a vital contribution to Fife’s community - often caring for people who because of their disability would find it difficult to protect themselves against harm.

 There are over 47,000 carers in Fife.  The number of Scottish carers is estimated at over 650,000 - saving the Scottish economy £7.68 billion pounds every year.  Many of these people care for more than 50 hours a week, and are often reaching retirement age themselves.  Every year 2 million people across Britain take on new caring responsibilities, often caring for a disabled, ill or frail relative or friend whilst juggling their own work commitments.

Fife’s Adult Protection Committee brings together a number of agencies who are responsible for providing support, care and protection to vulnerable people, including Carer organisations.  The organisations within the Committee work in partnership to keep people safe from harm and have a duty to report cases where harm is known or suspected.  Staff will work closely with the adult at risk to decide together what action is best.  Where appropriate the person’s family or carers would be involved in the decision making, and would continue to be an invaluable source of support.

Peter Hibberd represents carers on Fife’s Adult Protection Committee and explained the importance of training:

“As a parent or carer it is a constant worry that the person you care for is being harmed in some way without your knowledge. The Adult Protection Committee is carrying out extensive training for professional carers which will be extended to all family carers through voluntary agencies. As both a carer and a member of the Committee I sincerely hope that other family carers will take the opportunity to learn about the problem and offer better protection to their cared-for person.   It’s also important that the public are aware that they have a responsibility to report incidents of harm that they become aware of.         

"If you or someone you know is being harmed, or suffering from neglect, call the Adult Protection Phone Line on 01383 602200.  Acting against harm is everyone’s responsibility.”