As part of Carers Week 2023, we are celebrating unpaid carers and highlighting the support we offer.
There are a reported 124,000 unpaid carers in the county, but the real number could be greater.
Unpaid carers play a vital role in helping family and friends live independently. It also means those they care for can remain in their own homes and communities.
Some carers see it as their role to support relatives, friends and neighbours so they might not realise they are a carer or that there is help available.
Watch Simon, a carer in Harlow, talk about his experience of caring for his 101-year-old mother.
Meet young carers from the Action for Family Carers Stanway Youth Club.
This year also marks one year since the launch of our All-Age Carers Strategy, which sets out key commitments we have made to carers. It outlines how we will help them lead happy and fulfilling lives while caring.
In the last year since the strategy launched, we have:
- provided over 5,000 carers with information, advice and guidance
- helped over 200 carers access counselling to support their emotional wellbeing
- launched Mobilise, a new digital offer helping carers access advice and guidance
- helped carers come together through 40 face-to-face and online support groups- helping carers connect, share experiences and build friendships
- made small grants of over £150,000 to carers in ‘Time for you’ awards, for carers to use on something that supports their own health and wellbeing
Supporting unpaid carers is, and continues to be a priority for the council. We will continue to engage with carers to make sure they are getting the very best and most suitable help.
Find out more about support available for carers.