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Continued support for unpaid carers across Gloucestershire

Published
Gloucestershire County Council has awarded a new five-year contract to deliver services for unpaid adult carers. Following a competitive procurement process, PeoplePlus, locally known as Gloucestershire Carers Hub, will continue supporting unpaid carers across the county, having done so for more than seven years.

The Carers Hub supports adults aged 18 and over who provide unpaid care for a family member, friend, neighbour or partner who could not manage without their help because of illness, disability, frailty, mental ill health or addiction. There are an estimated 52,000 unpaid carers in Gloucestershire.

Under the new contract, Gloucestershire Carers Hub will continue to provide practical and emotional support to unpaid carers at every stage of their caring journey. This includes information and advice, personalised support and emergency planning. Carers will also be able to access a carer's assessment to explore the impact of caring and identify options that could improve their wellbeing and help them continue in their caring role.

The service will enable carers to understand their rights, access benefits and local services, develop new skills and confidence, improve their health and wellbeing, and connect with others who share similar experiences. Support will continue for young adult carers transitioning into adulthood and for parent carers.

Alongside direct support for carers, the service will engage with health, social care, community and voluntary sector organisations to improve the identification, recognition and support of unpaid carers and raise awareness of the vital role they play.

Councillor Kate Usmar, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Support and Independence, said:

"I am delighted that Gloucestershire Carers Hub will continue supporting unpaid carers across Gloucestershire. Unpaid carers make an incredible contribution to the lives of those they care for and to our communities. Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. The Hub plays an important role in ensuring carers can access information, advice and support, while helping them feel recognised, valued and connected to others."

Chris Harrison, Divisional Managing Director, PeoplePlus, said:

"Supporting unpaid carers is not just a service commitment, it is a commitment to the people who sustain our health and care system every day. Our ambition for Gloucestershire is to deliver a modern, inclusive, and preventative carers service that reaches carers earlier, strengthens community connections and improves outcomes for carers of all ages. By listening to carers and working in partnership, we will ensure they receive the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve."

For more information about support available to unpaid carers, visit the Gloucestershire Carers Hub website.