The vision set out in the National Carers' Strategy, Carers at the heart of 21st century families and communities, is that by 2018:
Carers will be universally recognised and valued as being fundamental to strong families and stable communities. Support will be tailored to meet individuals' needs, enabling carers to maintain a balance between their caring responsibilities and a life outside caring, while enabling the person they support to be a full and equal citizen.
The Carers' Strategy for Middlesbrough sets the vision for 2009-2019, supported by a set of commitments designed to achieve that vision.