Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet has approved a new model to improve support for unpaid carers across the County Borough, following extensive engagement and a public consultation held between August 12 and October 5, 2025.
The main aim of the proposed model is to enhance the accessibility of information and advice for unpaid carers and provide a support pathway – including informal information, signposting, and formal support.
The new model introduces a three-tier approach:
- Community Support – Delivered collaboratively through ‘carer-aware’ libraries and RCT Together’s Community Development Team. Staff will be able to provide targeted information, and signpost carers to Resident Support Pathway partners, dedicated peer support groups and national/local helplines. Community Coordinators will also support at this level by providing a voluntary well-being assessment which considers your individual and family needs.
- Targeted Carers Support – For carers who need more specific help, Specialist Carer Officers in Adult Services will provide tailored support. This includes facilitating access to local peer support groups and other activities that unpaid carers have identified as being of value to them in their caring role. They will also act as champions for unpaid carers, sharing guidance and best practice with social work teams.
- Formal Statutory Services – For carers requiring formal support, the Council’s Adult Services Social Work teams will deliver statutory services including Carer Assessments, respite care, and formal support plans.
The proposals build on engagement work carried out in 2024, which highlighted that many unpaid carers need flexible and locally relevant support – particularly in the early stages of their caring role. The public consultation, detailed in Appendix 1 of the Cabinet Report, received 181 responses (94% from unpaid carers) and showed strong support for the proposed changes:
- 82% strongly agreed and 18% agreed on the importance of a single point of contact.
- 83% strongly agreed and 16% agreed on the need for wellbeing support.
- 76% strongly agreed and 21% agreed that support should be provided close to home.
- 78% strongly agreed and 19% agreed on having a clear route to formal assessment.
Respondents also highlighted challenges such as loneliness, stress, and burnout, and expressed a desire for opportunities to connect with others and access regular, flexible respite. The current offer, delivered by a small team at the Carers Support Project in Pontypridd, was also valued by some but was noted as being not accessible for all.
The new approach aims to optimise the use of specialist staff, improve public access to information, and strengthen the role of libraries in supporting resilient communities.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Social Care, said: “Unpaid carers, many of whom do not seek recognition for their work, make incredible personal sacrifices to support loved ones.
“This new model of support ensures that unpaid carers across Rhondda Cynon Taf will have easier access to advice, wellbeing support, and a clear pathway to formal assessment when required. It is encouraging to see the overwhelmingly positive consultation feedback to these changes, which aim to improve this vital service.
“The Council is committed to providing unpaid carers with targeted support and advice, ensuring they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. I look forward to seeing how this will be co-produced with local unpaid carers and implemented over the coming months.”
The Council will now work with unpaid carers to co-produce the model and develop a phased implementation plan by June 2026. The approach will initially be delivered through libraries, with plans to expand to other community venues such as leisure centres in the future.
For more information about local support for unpaid carers, please visit: Support for carers | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Not sure if you are an unpaid carer? Find out more: Are you a carer? | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
For information on our Resident Support Pathway, please visit: Resident Support | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Posted on 14/01/2026