Evidence shows that up to 80% of carers can experience social isolation or loneliness.  We know this from research and from our own contact with carers.  Isolation can be particularly complex and entrenched for older carers, so we are delighted to announce our new funding from Time To Shine to run our Carers Connections project.  Carers Connections will support carers aged 50 and over who are socially isolated to make connections with other people, services and communities.

Over the next  two and a half years our Carers Connections worker will offer one-to-one support, will link up with groups and other projects to encourage carers to build more social engagement into their lives.  Supported by our team of Carer Support Workers, they will ensure that the right care is in place to enable carers to look after their own social needs.

Carers Connections also offers support delivered by trained volunteers who will provide social contact in the carer’s home, will meet up with carers and accompany carers to groups or events, when the carer does not feel confident  to do this alone.

We have so many ideas of how we can best support the diverse community of carers in Leeds and we’re really looking forward to starting Carers Connections on 1st October, when we will be joining the wonderful team of Time To Shine delivery partners.

We’ll post more information about this project on our website in the next few months.

Helena Bladon, Development Manager