Cheshire East Council, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board have awarded national adult health and social care charity Making Space a three-year contract to support carers across Cheshire East.
The Cheshire East Carers’ Hub will work with around 7,000 carers and aims to reach 2,000 new adult carers and 400 new young carers every year.
It is based in Crewe, with local venues in community centres, family hubs, libraries and local health settings across the region.
In December 2022, Making Space held a pre-launch event to hear what local carers would like 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.
The team will provide 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 coordinator will recruit and manage volunteers to help deliver practical support in areas including transport, gardening, befriending and group activities within communities.
Gareth Davies, business development manager, Making Space, said: “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.
“We have and always will listen to what carers tell us they need and adapt support accordingly.
“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.“
Jane Reeves will manage the service for Making Space. She said: “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.”
Making Space, which has its headquarters in Warrington, has been supporting unpaid carers for over 40 years.
To find out more about Making Space, see www.makingspace.co.uk
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