Supporting Carers better: New guidance, digital tools and national action

Across Sutton and beyond, there is growing momentum to improve how Carers are recognised, supported and involved in planning for the future. Two important pieces of national guidance have recently been published, both of which will shape how Carers prepare for emergencies, access support and stay connected to the professionals who rely on their insight every day.

Below is an overview of what’s new - and why it matters.

Carer Contingency Planning in the Universal Care Plan (UCP)

Latest guidance from OneLondon & NHS South West London  

The Universal Care Plan (UCP) is becoming a central tool for personalised care across London. It allows people to share “what matters to them” with every professional involved in their care — from GPs and community teams to hospitals, 111 and the London Ambulance Service.

A key part of this is the Carer Contingency Plan (CCP): a digital space where Carers can record what should happen if they are suddenly unable to provide care due to illness, an emergency or an unexpected event.

Why this matters for Carers

• No more repeating your story - once uploaded, your contingency plan is visible across health and care services.

• Accessible through the NHS App - Carers can view their CCP directly under the “Your Health” section.

• Emergency‑ready - urgent care teams can instantly see what the cared‑for person needs, reducing stress and delays.

• Future‑proofing - from 2026, Carers will be able to upload their own CCPs directly via the NHS App.

  
  

What this could mean for Sutton

We hope that Carers in Sutton will soon be able to upload their contingency and break plans directly through the NHS App, potentially with support from GPs and local partners. This would make contingency planning easier, more consistent and more visible across the system.

Many Sutton Carers and professionals attended seminars earlier this year, so the foundations are already in place. As this rolls out, it will become a powerful tool for ensuring Carers’ voices are heard — especially during emergencies when clear information matters most.

The new national unpaid Carers Action Plan: Recognise, Refer, Reach

Published July 2026 by the UK Government  

In July, the government released a major new Unpaid Carers Action Plan, setting out how England will better recognise and support Carers over the coming years.

It focuses on three core themes:

1. Recognise

Carers are often invisible within workplaces, schools, health settings and even within their own families.

The plan aims to change this by:

• Introducing a MyCarer section in the NHS App

• Improving identification of young Carers in schools

• Refreshing the Carer Passport scheme

• Strengthening data collection so Carers’ needs are better understood

2. Refer

Once recognised, Carers must be directed to the right support. The plan commits to:

• Clearer information about benefits, employment rights and local support

• Better involvement of Carers in care planning and hospital discharge

• Improved access to respite and short breaks

• A new cross‑government information page for Carers

3. Reach

Carers should be able to live full, ambitious lives alongside caring. The plan includes:

• Support for young Carers transitioning into adulthood

• Workplace reforms to improve flexible working

• Better access to mental health support

• A focus on tackling inequalities Carers face

This is a significant step forward - and one we’ll be discussing in more detail at Sutton’s September meetings.

What this means for Carers in Sutton

Together, these developments signal a shift: Carers are finally being recognised as essential partners in care, not an afterthought.

For Sutton, this means:

• Better digital tools to help Carers plan for emergencies

• More consistent recognition across health, education and employment

• Clearer pathways to support, respite and financial help

• A stronger national commitment to improving Carers’ lives

As these changes roll out, we’ll continue to share updates, training opportunities and practical guidance to help Carers make the most of what’s available.

Looking ahead

With the UCP guidance now live and the national Action Plan setting a new direction, this is an exciting moment for Carers’ rights and recognition. Sutton Carers Centre will be working closely with partners to ensure local Carers benefit from these changes - and that their voices shape what comes next.