A new chief executive has been appointed to lead Carer Support South Lakeland.
Debi Marsden, a former nurse, says she hopes to improve the reach of the charity into South Cumbria’s towns, villages and rural areas – where many unpaid carers remain unaware support is available.
Debi has worked for the Kendal-based charity for nearly five years and takes up her new role immediately.
She said: “Despite the fact we help well over 1,200 unpaid carers to cope with their caring responsibilities there are still many in the South Lakes struggling by alone.
“That can be exhausting both physically and mentally. So, one of the main aspirations of all the team here is to reach out and help as many unpaid carers as possible,” she says.
She is hoping to establish a Carer’s Bus which would go to different communities on set days to make it easier for carers to access support and advice.
Debi added: “I am delighted to be chosen to lead this fantastic local charity. We have a great team of volunteers, trustees and support workers and I am thrilled and privileged to lead such a wonderful team.”
Her appointment comes as Carer Support South Lakes marks its 30th anniversary.
It is looking to recruit local carer champions to highlight the charity’s work in their local communities.
“We want to let all unpaid arers know that if they need support – we can offer it to them,” said Debi.
“It may be through our sitting service – where a volunteer sits with the cared for so that a carer can take a much-needed respite break – or it could be a residential weekend break for a young carer.”
Carer champions are needed right across the South Lakes in areas including Kirkby Lonsdale, Coniston, Ambleside, Grasmere, Sedbergh, Arnside and Grange over Sands.
“We are not looking for a huge commitment, perhaps a few hours each month,” said Debi.
“We need people willing to find out a bit more about the work we do and take that information into their local community.”
Debi, who is married with two children, is a trained nurse and previously worked at the Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal before working as a registered domiciliary care manager helping keep people living independently in their own homes.
She was instrumental in launching Carer Support South Lakes’ Carer-Connect service – a purpose-built online community where carers can connect with other carers, find support and access vital information at any time.
The service has expanded from the South Lakes area to the whole of Cumbria thanks to funding from the Cumbria Community Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund.
It is hoped it will eventually become a national service.
