THE strategy aims to improve access to support, recognition, and wellbeing for unpaid carers across Essex.

Essex County Council has launched a public consultation to help shape its new All-Age Carers Strategy.

This strategy will set out how the council supports unpaid carers across the county.

It will be produced alongside carers and those who support them. This will make sure that that lived experience is central to its development.

Unpaid carers play a vital role in local communities, often providing round-the-clock care for loved ones while balancing work, education, and personal wellbeing.

The new strategy seeks to better recognise their contributions and address the challenges they face, from accessing services and financial support to maintaining their own health and social connections.

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

“Since our current Carers Strategy began in 2022, we have made significant progress, but we are not yet where we want to be.

“As we look to build on the work already done by us and our partners, and develop this new strategy, we must continue identifying how we can add more value for more people.

“We must also work to reach those we are not currently reaching, and help people get the support they are telling us they need.”

The consultation is open to carers of all ages. Feedback gathered will directly inform the final strategy. The consultation is open until 3 November 2025.

To share your views, please visit: Consultation on an All-Age Carers Strategy – Essex County Council – Citizen Space