Carers First is delighted to have been recommissioned to provide the Carers’ Support Service on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council.
The new contract starts on 1 October 2022 and will continue to provide a trusted and highly regarded service for local carers. Services will continue uninterrupted for those already receiving support.
There will be continued development and enhancement of services offered to carers across Lincolnshire. The newly commissioned service will provide 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.
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.
David, from Lincolnshire, cares for his wife, who has serious physical and mental health issues. He has experienced challenges in his caring role.
“She can’t be left on her own, so looking after her is very demanding. I have to ‘supervise’ her, if that’s the right word.”
However, he has been able to achieve more balance in his caring role since receiving help from Carers First, and he encourages other carers to do the same.
“If I need them, they’re there and they always know who to ask and what to ask for. They’re definitely a help.
“Seek as much help as possible, I left it and muddled through on my own, but if I had my time again, I’d certainly go about it a differently. Now I’m starting to find easier ways of doing things.”
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 caring can be challenging but believe getting the help you need shouldn’t be. We will be continuing our work in raising awareness of the amazing role of carers, 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.”
Councillor Wendy Bowkett, Executive Councillor for Adult Care, said:
“This will provide a seamless service for carers who need a bit of help and support in their caring roles. 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.”
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.