We have been awarded a three-year all-age carer support contract in Cheshire

The Cheshire East All Age Carers Service will support around 7,000 carers in the region and aims to reach 2,000 new adult carers and 400 new young carers every year.

We have been supporting unpaid carers for over 40 years and welcomes the opportunity to bring its locality based support to Cheshire East.

“Co-production and partnership working are strategic priorities for Making Space, so it’s very important to us to work with local organisations to deliver the right support at the right time,” says Gareth Davies, business development manager for Making Space.

“We have and always will listen to what carers tell us they need and adapt support accordingly.”

In December 2022, we held a pre-launch event to hear what local carers would like to receive from the service. A series of online events with carers of all ages were also held to identify their needs and priorities and help shape future offerings.

“Carers told us they want us to walk alongside them in their caring journey, give more practical support and stay in touch. That’s what we will be developing the service to achieve,” says Davies.

“To help us reach these goals, the service will be headquartered in Crewe, Cheshire, with local venues in community centres, family hubs, libraries and local health settings across the region.

“This model will allow us to provide support in communities across the whole of East Cheshire. We’ll be seeking out new venues as we develop and expand the service in line with the priorities of carers.”

Jane Reeves will manage the service. She says: “We aim to reach hidden carers all over East Cheshire: young carers, parent carers, people who care for friends and family. If you look after someone, then we want to help you look after yourself.

“Our goal is to ensure the people who deliver this vital unpaid care have access to all the support they need, and are able to give time and attention to their own wellbeing.”

The team will be providing a wide range of services including a 24/7 telephone support line, statutory carers assessment and reviews, benefits advice and guidance, access to training relevant to caring roles, emergency planning and respite care.

A volunteer co-ordinator will recruit and manage volunteers to help deliver practical support in areas including transport, gardening, befriending and group activities within communities.