The new Carer-Aware Libraries Model, designed to help unpaid carers access information, advice and support closer to home, will be launched at Treorchy Library on Thursday, November 19.
The Council’s Cabinet approved the new support model in January 2026, following extensive engagement and a public consultation. Since then, work has continued to develop the new approach and prepare for its introduction in libraries.
The launch event will take place in the main foyer of Treorchy Library from 10.30am to 2.30pm, coinciding with Carers Rights Day.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Social Care, and Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Leisure, will give opening speeches to formally launch the model.
This will be followed by an informal drop-in where unpaid carers will be able to visit information stalls, speak directly with services and partner organisations, and find out more about the new model and the support available. Carers Trust, which has worked in partnership with the Council to develop the model, will also be in attendance.
The Carer-Aware Libraries Model aims to make information and advice easier to access by providing support in familiar and accessible community settings. Libraries are trusted spaces where people regularly visit for information, support, connection and conversation, making them well placed to help identify and support people who may have a caring role.
Many people who regularly support a family member, friend or neighbour may not describe themselves as a carer or realise that support is available to them.
Library staff have completed Carer Aware training developed by Carers Trust, enabling them to:
- Recognise when someone may be an unpaid carer.
- Start a supportive conversation and listen to what matters to them.
- Provide relevant information and resources.
- Connect and signpost them to the most appropriate local support.
This forms the community-support element of the Council’s wider three-tier model. Unpaid carers who need more specific help can be connected with targeted carers support, while those who require formal services will have a clear route to Adult Services, including Carer Assessments and formal support where appropriate.
This will help identify unpaid carers earlier and connect them with the right level of support when they need it.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Leisure, said: “Libraries are welcoming, familiar places at the heart of our communities, where people already feel comfortable asking staff for information or guidance.
“Through our Carer-Aware Libraries Model, library staff have completed training developed by Carers Trust, equipping them to recognise when someone may be an unpaid carer, listen to what matters to them, provide relevant information and connect them with appropriate local support.
“This important new role for our libraries will help make support more visible and accessible, particularly for people who may not even recognise themselves as unpaid carers.
“I look forward to formally launching the model at Treorchy Library on November 19, and I encourage unpaid carers and their families to come along, meet the organisations involved and find out about the support available.”
Councillor Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Social Care, said: “Unpaid carers make an invaluable contribution to the lives of the people they support, often without seeing themselves as carers or realising that support is available to them.
“This new three-tier model will make it easier for unpaid carers to find the right level of support for their individual circumstances, whether that is information within their community, more targeted help or a clear route to a formal Carer Assessment where required. Following months of work, I am delighted that we are now officially launching the model.
“By providing support through trusted community settings such as libraries, we can identify and assist more unpaid carers at an earlier stage, helping them feel valued, supported and confident about seeking help. I look forward to marking this important step at Treorchy Library on November 19.”
Event details:
- Date: Thursday, November 19
- Time: 10.30am to 2.30pm
- Location: Treorchy Library, Station Road, Treorchy, CF42 6NN
- Format: Formal launch with speeches followed by an informal drop-in session with information stalls and opportunities to speak with services and partner organisations.
- There is no need to attend the full event. Visitors can drop in at a time that suits them between 10.30am and 2.30pm.
Register as an unpaid carer here.
Posted on 29/10/2026