A Carer is anyone who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid.
Essex Carers Support continues to be a trusted point of contact for local family carers; we strive to increase recognition of informal family carers and promote access to appropriate support. This year we are delighted to have secured funding to continue our work and develop new projects to benefit local carers and are focussing on the need for improved break opportunities for family carers.
Community Outreach Project (Colchester and Tendring)
We are working at a very local community level to developing innovative and creative ways to connect with family carers. We are connecting with community groups, clubs and faith groups to identify and reach out to people who may not identify themselves as a carer and hence may not be connected to support services.
TIME 4 YOU (Tendring)
We are inviting carers in Tendring to participate in a research project which aims to examine the effectiveness of different types of carer breaks. Carers are assisted in choosing and planning a positive and rewarding break for themselves, reflecting their own interests for which they can receive a one-off grant of up to £100.
UPDATE: Time 4 You is coming to the Colchester area very soon!
Carer Respite Break Scheme – in partnership with Colchester Catalyst Charity
If eligible, grants of up to £600 per year are available for carers who live in the ‘CO’ postcode area to achieve a carer’s break, specifically where assistance is not  available from statutory organisations.
