Unpaid carers in Cumbria are being reminded that they are not alone this Christmas.
As we quickly approach the four-day long Christmas break, with the additional bank holidays on Monday and Tuesday, those caring for loved ones in their homes across Cumbria will still be able to get support from other unpaid carers online.
Many services will be closed over the Christmas holidays, and being a carer at any time can be isolating and stressful. However, carers from across the county will be able to access the online, 24/7 service Carer-Connect, launched by Carer Support South Lakes.
Developed with funding from the National Lottery, the service has proved vital for those isolating due to COVID over the past two years. The system provides new ways of helping carers access support and information was expanded to the whole of Cumbria through Carer Support Cumbria (CSC) with funding from the Cumbria Community Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund.
Debi Marsden, Chief Operating Officer for Carer-Connect said: “The online service provides a safe place to come together, chat and get the support and advice Carers need without them having to leave their home – and also when other services are closed.
“They can chat online with other carers or members of our team and volunteers who have experience of caring for loved ones.
“It can be very isolating, caring for someone 24/7 and it can be very difficult to meet with others, as well as access the support available.
“Carer-Connect is a place carers can chat with others who understand what it is like to be in your situation. It’s a place where you can be heard and ask questions and share really helpful ideas in your caring role at any time – day or night.”
It is free to join Carer-Connect and it is easy to register and create your own private, protected account by logging onto www.carer-connect.org.
Anyone interested in volunteering for Carer-Connect can contact Debi via email Debi@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk or call 01539 815970. To join Carer-Connect visit www.carer-connect.org.
If you are an unpaid carer, support and advice are available from your local Carers Support organisations.
You can contact them by emailing or calling their office:
Carer Support South Lakes, Email: admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk Tel: 01539 815970
Carlisle Carers Email: admin@carlislecarers.co.uk Tel: 01228 542156
Eden Carers Email: enquiries@edencarers.co.uk Tel: 01768 890280
Furness Carers Email: admin@furnesscarers.co.uk Tel: 01229 822822
West Cumbria Carers Email: general@westcumbriacarers.co.uk, Tel 01900 821976
