A CHARITY has been contracted to continue providing services for unpaid adult carers across the district for at least another three years.

Carers’ Resource says it is delighted at the renewal.

The organisation supports 16,000 unpaid carers in the Bradford district, and the Harrogate and Skipton areas.

Its provision includes one-to-one help, casework, information, support groups, employment and training advice, planning for emergencies, and maintaining wellbeing.

Chief executive, Chris Whiley, said: “We have been delivering support services for carers for several years and we are delighted that funders have continuing faith in our ability to deliver high-quality services.”

News of the renewal comes just weeks after the charity learned it would also be running the district’s young carer services from April, enabling support to be offered to whole families.

“It is exciting that we will soon be providing services to all carers across the district – no matter how old they are,” said Ms Whiley.

“Delivering both these contracts brings many opportunities for us and the people we support.”

A carer is someone who – without payment – provides help and support to a friend, neighbour or relative who could not manage otherwise because of frailty, illness, addiction or disability.

Carers’ Resource is planning to change some of its working practices when the new contracts come into force.

“We have been piloting a different way of working over the past few months that has involved enabling four workers to get to know local communities in greater detail,” added Ms Whiley.

“For example one worker, Kay Nichols, has been focussing on central Keighley.

“She has got to know her area well and carers contacting the organisation from that part of Keighley have been allocated solely to her.

“Her knowledge of the area ensures that she can offer the best possible support and advice to carers, and local drop-ins mean that carers can see a friendly face on a regular basis.

“Kay is also better placed to reach the diverse communities across her geographical spread, and she is more knowledgeable about community groups and courses that are close to carers’ homes.”

The charity will outline its planned new ways of working at a meeting next month.

Any carers and professionals wanting to know more, or wishing to give feedback, are invited to attend.

The meeting will take in the Ernest Saville Room at City Hall, Bradford, on Thursday, March 21, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Anyone seeking further information about Carers’ Resource, or carers wanting to refer themselves for a discussion about support or their wellbeing, should call 01274 449660 or e-mail bradford@carersresource.org.