ESSEX County Council is highlighting the vital role unpaid carers play this Carers Week (9-13 June)

Throughout the week the council will be sharing what support is available in Essex.

Unpaid carers look after, help, or support someone who wouldn’t be able to manage everyday life without them. Often this is a relative, neighbour or friend.

Since April 2024 more than 12,000 unpaid carers have accessed support through:

the Essex Carers Core Offer

the Essex Wellbeing Service

Carers Community Funded projects.

There are still thousands of unpaid carers across the county who may need support. For those who haven’t accessed support services yet, the message from the council is clear- ‘We are here for you’.

The Essex Carers Core Offer, delivered by Carers First and Action for Family Carers, provides health, financial and emotional wellbeing support.

The Essex Wellbeing Service has supported over 1,700 carers with tailored advice and referrals.

Community-funded projects have reached 5,433 carers with everything from peer support to mental health services.

This support is a lifeline to many who are balancing care responsibilities with their own wellbeing, work, and family life.

Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration, said:

“While Carers Week provides us the opportunity to thank carers and highlight their sacrifices, we are thankful to carers every day of the year.

“Their contributions make a significant difference to not only those they care for but to the wider health and social care system.

“We are committed to supporting unpaid carers and will continue to work with them to offer the best support at the right time.”

To find out more about the support available to unpaid carers visit: www.essex.gov.uk/carers