New support for unpaid carers across Wiltshire

A new initiative sees Age UK Wiltshire working in partnership with Community First, Alzheimer’s Support, Wiltshire Service Users Network, Citizens Advice Wiltshire and Wessex Community Action.

Under the umbrella title Carers Together Wiltshire, the partnership will provide support to the thousands of people across Wiltshire identified as a carer.

We will work closely with Wiltshire Council to continue carers' assessments, and provide activities, respite, advice, counselling, coaching, training and support for carers. 

The goal is to reduce carer isolation by fostering strong communities and networks through companionship and networking opportunities.

An age UK spokesperson said: "We are approaching this partnership with a ‘person-centered’ approach and expect to support a variety of individuals with diverse support needs related to their caring role. 

"We have a ‘No wrong doors’, approach to our service-provision. We believe that no carer should be left unsupported, and that early intervention is key. The ‘no wrong doors’ approach will mean that wherever a carer reaches out, they will be provided with the most appropriate support, within our partnership network. 

"Raising community awareness about the challenges faced by unpaid carers is a crucial aspect of this work. In addition to balancing work and personal responsibilities while fulfilling their caring role, carers often carry an emotional load. 

"Carers may be so concerned with supporting someone that they do not have the chance to fully develop their own lives. Nevertheless, the ability to manage multiple priorities is a valuable skill, and we are consistently impressed by the dedication shown by the carers that are recipients of our services. 

"We wish to see more ‘Carers Champions' across Wiltshire, providing carers with more visibility and a voice. We wish to see a ‘carer-friendly’ Wiltshire, building resilience in carers, and helping them to achieve a balance between caring responsibilities and personal life. Carers can contact us on: 01380 710300 or email at [email protected] to find out more."

 

Jasmine Forbes-Lumby, an Adult Carer who works at Age UK Wiltshire, said: “Caring roles can be so complex and nuanced. The ‘no wrong door’ approach would’ve been so helpful for me when trying to navigate support as a young carer whose parent had mental health needs. 

"Often at young carers' groups, the information was centred around supporting an individual with physical support needs, and I didn’t always feel I belonged.

"Identification of carers is something really close to home. Many people who care for someone with a mental health issue do not even recognise themselves as being a carer, let alone ask for the support they so desperately need."  

Sarah Cardy, CEO of Age UK Wiltshire, said: "We are looking forward to working in partnership with Wiltshire Council, health services and voluntary sector colleagues to provide much needed support to unpaid carers. 

"We will have a dedicated team of people to walk alongside unpaid carers to help with the many challenges they face. Our partnership approach will provide easy access to early support to help improve the lives of unpaid carers."

Lynn Gibson CEO of Community First said: "We are really excited to start work in the Carers Together partnership and to support carers and the vital and difficult role they undertake. As a Charity we have been supporting young carers for 26 years. 

"Through this partnership we will now extend this work to support adult carers and ensure seamless transition support for Young Adult Carers."