What is the Triangle of Care?
Triangle of Care is a quality improvement scheme for health and social care providers that promotes safety, recovery and wellbeing by including and supporting unpaid carers.
Originally developed by carers, the scheme is run by Carers Trust and recognises healthcare providers that have committed to continuous improvement according to six key ‘carers included’ standards.
There are an estimated seven million unpaid carers in the UK, 13% of whom support people with mental health conditions. These carers can provide vital insight into the treatment and condition of those they care for.
Already a member?
Join the Triangle of Care
The Triangle of Care is currently open to mental health providers in England and Wales. Carers Trust is gradually opening the scheme to new health and care sectors, beginning with acute care. If your organisation is interested in joining the Triangle of Care scheme you should:
Read the introductory leaflet: A Guide to Best Practice in Health Care
Register your interest by completing an enquiry form
The six key standards
- Carers and the essential role they play are identified at first contact, or as soon as possible thereafter.
- Staff are ‘carer aware’ and trained in carer engagement strategies.
- Policy and practice protocols re: confidentiality and sharing information are in place.
- Defined post(s) responsible for carers are in place.
- A carer introduction to the service is available, with a relevant range of information across the care pathway.
- A range of carer support services is available.
Join the Triangle of Care Community Group
The TOC Community Group is a national engagement space for England and Wales that brings together unpaid carers and other stakeholders to discuss developments, share best practice, and strengthen the implementation of TOC standards. Online meetings are held quarterly and last between 1 - 1.5 hours. The group is open to:
- Any unpaid mental health carer resident in or connected to England and Wales.
- Health and care professionals employed by an organisation that holds current membership of the Triangle of Care.
- Any professional working for a local carer support organisation that is, or intends to be, involved in supporting the Triangle of Care scheme locally.
If you would like to receive invitations to online TOC Community Group meetings please complete this registration form.
Triangle of Care in Scotland
If you live or work in Scotland please follow this link: Supporting Carers of Mental Health | Carers Trust Scotland.
Contact the Triangle of Care team
For further information please contact: triangleofcare@carers.org
The impact of Triangle of Care
Rebecca’s story shows that recognising carers as partners in care is a powerful start. As Rebecca says, “…the conversation changed my life.”
Read Rebecca's story
"The Triangle of Care transformed the care of our carers...our ongoing commitment to the Triangle of Care ensures this continues to develop and evolve going forward, keeping carers at the heart of our delivery."
- Head of Carer and Relative Experience, Lincolnshire Partnership Trust
Triangle of Care Members
