Helping unpaid carers access the support they need

Cheshire West and Chester Council is working with a range of organisations to offer much-needed support to unpaid carers.

A carer can be anybody of any age caring unpaid for a friend or family member who, through illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, needs additional support.

The Council commissions a Cheshire West Carer Support Service that is delivered by Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust alongside OPAL, Making Space, Alzheimer’s Society, Crossroads Together and Neuromuscular Centre, plus a dedicated young carers’ service run by Cheshire Young Carers.

Pauline, who accesses the support offered by the Carers Trust, said:

“I’m a carer for my daughter, who is 10 years old, and sometimes you do feel isolated so it’s nice to speak to other carers in the same position.”

Dawn, another carer, added: “Attending these sessions is sometimes the only way you can shut off.

“If you feel like sitting down or going to do something for an hour at home, you can get sidetracked or called to do something.

“If you’re out and about in the fresh air, it’s something completely different and good for you mentally.”

Find out about the support available for carers

The Live Well Cheshire West website also has a range of information about wider support carers might be able to access through local organisations. 

Visit the Live Well website

The Council is committed to providing further support to carers and the All Age Carers Strategy for 2021-26 outlines a comprehensive plan to enhance the lives of carers through various services and initiatives.

Key elements of the strategy include the following:

• Identifying carers early, particularly hidden carers, by communicating the benefits of carer assessments and highlighting carers’ rights.
• Access to information and advice, making sure carers are well informed about the resources and support available to them.
• Health and wellbeing support, providing services that help carers maintain their physical and mental health.
• Breaks and respite care, offering opportunities for carers to take much-needed breaks from their responsibilities.
• Financial support, assisting carers with accessing financial benefits and support.

The Council will be launching a Carers Charter later this week, providing the opportunity for all organisations to sign up to a set of principles and help make sure unpaid carers have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. 

Pictured - Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust run regular walking groups for carers.