Northern Trust launches public consultation on new Carer Strategy

The Northern Trust has today announced the launch of a public consultation on its new five-year Carer Strategy and is inviting unpaid carers, families, staff and community and voluntary sector partners to share their views on it.

The aim of the strategy is to ensure that carers receive improved, coordinated support from the Trust, enabling a smoother caring journey – one where they feel valued, heard, and confident in the services the Trust provides.

The draft strategy has been developed based on feedback from a range of groups including, carers, representative groups and staff from the Trust. As a result, the Trust has now set out nine strategic priorities which cut across six themes, namely:

• carer health and advocacy
• information
• communication
• navigation
• transitions

The consultation will run for 12 weeks until Friday 22 May.

Chair of the Northern Trust, Anne O’Reilly, said: “Carers play an extraordinary and often unseen role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Their contribution is invaluable, and it is essential that our services reflect their experiences and meet their needs.

“This new Carer Strategy for 2026-31, is about listening carefully and acting meaningfully. I would like to place on record my thanks to the Trust’s Carer Listening Forum and Carer Pathway Steering Group and all those who have contributed to the development of the Strategy to date.

“We remain committed to working alongside carers to ensure they feel recognised, supported and empowered. I would strongly encourage everyone with lived experience to take part and have their say.”

Sam Bell MBE and Carer Chair of the Trust’s Carer Pathway Steering Group, added: “Behind every patient or service user is often a dedicated carer providing unwavering support.  Through my involvement in Carer Forums within the Trust, I am encouraged that staff recognise that supporting carers is fundamental to delivering high-quality, compassionate care.

“This consultation is an important opportunity for unpaid carers to ensure that the proposed strategy reflects our voices and our needs.”

Carers, patients and members of the public can review the draft strategy and share their views via the Trust’s website – www.northerntrust.hscni.net/draftcarerstrategy

Feedback gathered during the consultation will inform the final Carer Strategy, which is expected to be published later this year.

2nd March 2026