A new service designed to support unpaid carers across Swindon has officially launched today, offering advice, information and a listening ear to those caring for others in their daily lives.
Swindon Carers Together began operating on 1 January and will provide support to informal and unpaid carers of all ages, helping them balance caring responsibilities while looking after their own wellbeing. The service has been commissioned by Swindon Borough Council and is delivered by Cornwall Rural Community Charity, which has more than three decades of experience supporting carers across the country.
The service has been shaped through co-design with carers and partner organisations, with a focus on making support easier to access and more responsive to real-life needs. From today, carers can contact the service through a dedicated telephone helpline on 01793 531133, or visit the new website at www.swindoncarerstogether.org.uk.
At the centre of Swindon Carers Together are three values identified by carers themselves. These include connection, creating opportunities for carers to meet others in similar situations and access support from people who understand; transparency, working openly and honestly with carers and partner organisations; and collaboration, ensuring services across health and social care are joined up so carers receive the right support at the right time.
Alongside day-to-day advice and guidance, the service will work to raise awareness of caring roles and represent carers’ voices locally. Staff will work closely with health, social care and community partners to build a network of support for adult carers, young carers and parent carers across Swindon.
A spokesperson for the service said the first year would be about listening and learning.
“As a new service, we know there’s more to learn about the best ways to support carers in Swindon,” they said. “We’ll continue to develop what we offer over the coming months and welcome feedback from carers and partners as we move forward together.”
Residents who think they may be a carer, or who support someone who is, are encouraged to get in touch to find out what help is available.
