Action for Family Carers, in partnership with Essex Carers Support, has been commissioned by Essex County Council to deliver support for Adult Carers in West Essex (Epping, Harlow & Uttlesford districts) and Northeast Essex (Colchester & Tendring districts). At Action for Family Carers, we are committed to making a positive difference to the lives of adult carers in Essex.
There is a central online contact point for carers run by the Essex Wellbeing Service. You can also call 0300 303 9988 to discuss your caring role and receive information, advice and guidance.
If more specialist support is required, Action for Family Carers (West and North Essex) and Carers First (Mid and South Essex) can provide more specialist carers information, advice and guidance.
How do I register?
Simply register with us by making a self-referral. Once we’ve got your details, a local Carer Support Worker will be in touch.
What should I expect?
Initially, we will have a chat with you to understand your situation and any challenges you are facing. We will work together to understand your needs and goals and identify the support you need to achieve them. We also want to help you to develop your own skills and solutions, so you feel more confident facing challenges when we are not there.
Our skilled and knowledgeable Support Workers can speak to you in person, online or over the phone – however your feel more comfortable. And they are based in your local community, so they know all about the other support in your neighbourhood.
What services do you offer?
Information, advice and guidance
We won’t just point you to a website (although you might find lots of useful information on ours). We will talk to you about your caring situation, take time to understand the unique challenges you are facing and the goals you want to achieve. That way we can tailor our information and practical guidance specifically to your circumstances. We can help you with:
- Accessing services, devices, and equipment to assist in the caring role.
- Information on financial and legal matters
- Information on local support and services
- Planning for the future and emergencies.
- Your rights and entitlements as a carer
- Understanding the condition of the person being cared for.
- Support for Carers to prepare for a Carers Assessment.
Practical solutions
We understand that every caring journey comes with its specific challenges. That’s why we offer practical solutions to help you navigate through them more effectively. From accessing services to managing daily tasks, we’re here to assist you in finding solutions that work for you.
Emotional Support
Being a carer can be rewarding but there can be days where caring can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing. Feelings such as anger, mental fatigue, frustration, anxiety, depression, fear, confusion, sadness, loneliness and grief can arise when you least expect it.
Our compassionate team provides dedicated support to help you cope with the emotional challenges associated with caring. Whether you need a listening ear or strategies to manage stress, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Free Counselling Service
Access professional counselling services at no cost to you. Our trained counsellors are available to provide confidential support, allowing you to express your feelings and concerns in a safe and supportive environment. Find out more here
Family disagreements relating to your caring role
We recognise that caring can sometimes affect relationships and lead to conflict. Our team is here to assist you in working through disagreements to help find solutions that work for everyone, and when needed, connect you with formal mediation services.
Time 4 You grants for wellbeing
Our small grants are designed to enable you take a well-deserved break from the pressures of caring and have a positive impact on your wellbeing. Whether it’s a day out or a short getaway, these grants aim to provide you with the opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Find out more here
Carer Support Groups
Connect with other local carers through our Carer Support Groups. These groups offer a supportive environment where you can share experiences and knowledge, and build meaningful connections with others who understand what you’re going through. Find out more here
Our team
We have a team of staff available throughout the working day to take your call or enquiry. We understand how difficult it can be to share your story and that building trust can take time. Lots of the staff here are Carers, so we understand first hand some of the challenges you face and genuinely want to help. We’ve got over years 30 years of experience helping local Carers just like you.
Our helpful and approachable team will listen to you, without judgement. You will be in safe hands with our knowledgeable and trained staff.
What other services to you offer?
Action for Family Carers, in partnership with Essex Carers Support, has been commissioned by Essex County Council to deliver support for Adult Carers in West and Northeast Essex. We have a range of other support for Adult Carers around the county. Find out what else we offer here.
We also provide support for Young Carers.
