A new carers’ support service will strengthen the information, advice and practical support for carers aged 18 and above when it starts on 1 October 2022.
Part of the overall Lincolnshire Carers Service, local charity Carers First have been recommissioned by Lincolnshire County Council to provide the service, delivered in partnership with Serco.
“We know what amazing roles carers provide in the county and this service provides the vital bit of help and support they might need in their caring duties” said Councillor Wendy Bowkett, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Public Health.
“There will be no loss of service – on the contrary we’ve taken the opportunity to enhance services and improve accessibility to the support carers need and deserve. Our carers provide important support for so many, often in difficult circumstances, and the Lincolnshire Carers’ Service gives the necessary support when they most need it.”
Services will continue uninterrupted for those already receiving support.There will be continued development and enhancement of services offered to carers across Lincolnshire, including information, advice and practical, emotional and financial support to carers online, by phone and face-to-face in the community.
Through collaborative working, the Lincolnshire Carers’ Service will be able to identify, reach and support more carers in Lincolnshire.
Although the service is primarily for carers aged 18 or above, it will also continue to provide support to some younger carers aged 16 and 17.
Cllr Patricia Bradwell OBE, Executive Councillor for Children’s Services, said: “It can be particularly challenging for younger carers to balance their caring role with the demands of their education. Although there is also support available through the Lincolnshire Young Carers Service and schools, I’m delighted this extra support for 16- and 17-year-olds will continue under this new contract.”
For further information on the Lincolnshire Carers’ Service visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/support-carers
Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Carers First, said: “Carers First is delighted to be able to continue our high standards of support for carers in Lincolnshire. We understand that each carer’s needs and situation are unique, but many face similar challenges.
They can struggle to balance employment, finances, or their own wellbeing and time for themselves with their caring role, which is why dedicated support for carers, like the Lincolnshire Carers Service, is so important.
“Through this service, we will be continuing our work in raising awareness of the role of carers and the huge contribution they make, as well as delivering a range of support programmes designed with carers on health, wellbeing, practical help and financial issues and help carers manage caring with work and education.”
Caring is not something anyone expects to happen, but unpaid care is an issue that impacts us all. Two in three people in the UK will become a carer at some point in their lifetime.
There are an estimated 88,000 carers in Lincolnshire, according to research from Carers Week 2021 (Lincolnshire County Council, 2021). However, many more people may not identify as, or even realise they are a carer, this results in a high proportion of carers who go without support.
For further information on Carers First visit www.carersfirst.org.uk