Extra support on offer for unpaid carers

At least 90,000 people provide unpaid care in Surrey

Additional support is being rolled out for tens of thousands of unpaid carers living in Surrey.

At least 90,000 people in the county provide unpaid care for friends, family members or neighbours, according to Surrey County Council (SCC).

Through a new initiative, carers will gain access to a wide range of free on-demand services, aimed at "supporting individuals with the day-to-day realities of caring".

A SCC spokesperson said It would provide a "complementary layer of added support that can be accessed remotely via an online hub".

The new services carers will be able to access include:

• On online peer community of thousands of fellow carers from across the UK

• Self-service tools outlining the support which carers may be entitled to

• Tailor-made support guides

• Information on carers’ rights and relevant social care law

Martin, a carer from Surrey who looks after their partner, said: "It’s great to know that there is a wide community of carers who can, without judgement, share their honest views and experiences on such a wide range of topics.

"It’s reassuring to know that there are like-minded people out there and that we’re not alone."

Sinead Mooney, SCC cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Carers play a crucial role in families and in our local communities by supporting people who would otherwise struggle to cope alone, which is why it’s so important for us to make sure carers themselves are cared for."

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