Carers First

There are seven million unpaid carers in the UK and over the next 30 years this number is expected to increase by 3.4 million (almost 60%) with three in five of us becoming a carer at some point in our lives. A carer being anyone who looks after a friend or relative who could not manage without their support.Carers FIRST is a charity supporting adult and young carers across the districts of South and North West Kent, Medway the counties of Lincolnshire and Essex and London Boroughs of Waltham Forest and Haringey. The very nature of caring - of being there for a loved one facing ill health or disability - means too often people don’t at first, or sometimes ever, identify themselves as carers and, therefore, miss out on support.Without the right help and support caring can have a devastating impact – carers can quickly become socially isolated with their physical and emotional health, work and finances all hit hard.Our trained staff work in the community supporting Carers, ensuring we respond to their needs locally. We provide emotional and practical support, advice, information and guidance. We offer statutory carers assessments and opportunities for Carers to access training, social groups, short break respite, activities, trips and more