Published 2nd January 2024 by

If you are caring for a family member or friend, it may at times feel like you are the only person in your situation and that it is a situation that you did not plan to be in. But being an unpaid carer is far more common than you may think, there are more than 80,000 of us in Norfolk who are looking after someone.

At Carers Matter Norfolk we are able to respond to more than 400 unpaid carers a month coming to us for support and advice. We want people across Norfolk to know that if they are looking after someone, we are here to help. If you are caring for another adult due to long term illness, disability, their mental health needs or frailty, we can give you advice and information to help you in your caring role.

Since September 2020 we have developed the support we offer to be able to manage far more carers coming to us for help, and part of this has been working to ensure that people get the information and support that is relevant to them more quickly.

This includes that if someone uses our online referral form – either to ask for themselves, or as a professional to refer a carer – we can quickly send information that is relevant to the areas they have indicated the carer needs support with. And we can follow this up with one-to-one contact as needed.

We have also developed the wider support available for people who need our services such as carers breaks, our health and wellbeing fund, direct referrals for financial advice (with NCAB) or a referral for counselling.

When I first spoke to Candice I was at my wits end. As a carer for my mum and with my own serious health issue I didn’t know where to turn.

Then I spoke to Candice!

She was understanding, supportive helpful and efficient. Her empathetic nature brought much needed relief to my position.

Totally Amazing Support

Speaking on the ‘phone with Sarah was easy and very useful.

I hadn’t really thought that I needed support or information, yet, but I came away with five helpful contacts. I also came away feeling reassured and confident. Thank you!

I wasn’t sure I needed support!

I was overwhelmed by the support and surprised at how much I opened up to a stranger on the phone. I did not realise I was holding so much in myself.

Overwhelmed

Feedback taken from Healthwatch Norfolk