More funding is being made available for those in Rotherham who care for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.
Rotherham Council joined forces with Crossroads Care Rotherham last year to launch the initiative to help people who have a long-term commitment to supporting loved ones who would otherwise struggle on their own.
£50,000 worth of funding has already been allocated to 147 unpaid carers across the borough to pay for things such as carer access to respite facilities, new tech and IT equipment and complimentary therapies to help with wellbeing.
Another £25,000 has now been made available to help unpaid carers in Rotherham access the help and support they need through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Cllr David Roche said: “In Rotherham there are many people who provide informal care to family and friends. Being a carer can be both physically and mentally challenging and the ongoing pandemic has compounded the difficulties many carers face.
“People can often become isolated and feel like they are on their own when caring for a loved one. We want to let people know that help is out there and they shouldn’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask.
“The funding that is being made available aims to reach out to local unpaid carers to ensure their rights and support needs are met in the same way as they would be for the people they care for.”
Helen Cryan from Crossroads Care Rotherham said: “Carers don’t always see that they need help or know where to find it.
“This programme can open a door that they might not otherwise have found. Once they come to us we can then provide the wrap around support to carers, in addition to the immediate benefit gained from the grant money.”
The funding has helped Rotherham mum Nicola, whose son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at a young age.
Nicola does have support from her husband but he often has to work long hours and they find they have little time for themselves.
She said: “The support I have received has been second to none, I have found that I have felt well in myself which gives me the strength to deal with my caring role.
“I have received counselling sessions and wellbeing contact calls from Crossroads, both of which have given me the skills to feel empowered advocating for my son.
“Last year I received a laptop and a wellbeing pack. The laptop enables me to stay connected with people, see other adults face to face over zoom and access online shopping services meaning I don’t have to deal with the social aspect of taking my son shopping, which is a real weight off my shoulders especially during Covid-19. The wellbeing pack enabled me to have a treat for myself which is rare, it felt special.”
Those caring for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems will benefit from the project, which, hopes to ease isolation, provide respite and support with skills training.
There are also a limited number of small grants available to those hardest hit by the pandemic.
The project is now welcoming new applications. For more information about the project and the help and support available please visit www.crossroadsrotherham.co.uk/contact-us