Carers First was established in Tonbridge in 1991, by carers who wanted to help others in a similar situation. The charity has since grown in size and geographical reach to support unpaid carers in their local communities across Lincolnshire, Essex, Southend-on-Sea, Medway, Croydon, Haringey, Waltham Forest, and Merton. Co-production and collaboration is at the heart of how we operate.
We provide practical information and support online and via our helpline; making it easier for carers to continue living their lives to the fullest.
Increasing numbers of us are becoming carers earlier in our lives. This means that at Carers First we are working with more carers and employers to help sustain employment. We’re also doing more with young carers to help them build the bright futures they deserve.
Each carer’s needs and situation are as unique as they are, but many face similar challenges. They can struggle to balance employment, finances, or their own wellbeing and time for themselves with their caring role. They may not be aware of the help and support available to them – and that’s why we’re here.
Questions about the future of social care endure. Whether promised reforms begin to tackle the funding crisis and the growth in demand as society ages is unclear. But what is certain is that carers need us more than ever. We intend to rise to the challenge and continue to put carers first in everything that we do.
The Carers First website contains over 80 articles to help you in your caring role.