Carers Wales launches new emotional support service for unpaid carers to help combat isolation and the unrelenting toll of the pandemic.

Research carried out by Carers Wales has found that unpaid carers across Wales have been left exhausted and socially isolated because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many support services have been put on hold for months on end, meaning that carers have been struggling with little or no support. 

Carers Wales is launching a new Listening Support Service via telephone, offering unpaid carers a chance to chat to someone who understands the challenges of caring. The trained callers will make a series of phone calls, providing emotional support and a listening ear, to support carers wherever they are in their caring journey. 

• Carers can self-refer by visiting carerswales.org/wales/listen

• Carers can receive a series of regular calls (weekly/fortnightly)
• Carers can connect with someone who understands the challenges of caring

With many carers stating that during lockdowns they have felt “abandoned”, “set adrift” and expected to “get on with it” with little or no support, this service will offer a much-needed space for carers to take time out to talk to someone who understands. And with the number of carers increasing due to the pandemic, this service will be a lifeline to many who are new to caring, struggling with additional challenges caused by the current situation, or feeling isolated in their homes.

Quote from Claire Morgan, Director of Carers Wales

“We are pleased to be able to launch our listening support service for carers. We know that many carers have been struggling during the pandemic and life has been tough. Our research shows that carers were already seven times more likely to be lonely than the average person, and restrictions and shielding have stripped away carers’ support networks. We hope the service will provide a valuable opportunity for carers to talk to someone who understand the issues carers face.”

Quote from Barbara, member of the Listening Support Team

“After my own caring experience, I know how important it is to have someone who will listen to you in your time of need, in a safe space, and in confidence. There doesn’t need to be a specific reason, just having someone to talk to offering emotional support really helps. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give something back – at my time of need I didn’t know who to contact for support for myself, so this is my thank you to Carers Wales for having this much-needed project.”

The service has received Welsh Government funding to March 2023. 

For more information and to sign up to the service, visit www.carerswales.org/wales//listen

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information, please contact Carers Wales: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What is a carer?

Carers provide unpaid care by looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend or partner. It could be a few hours a week or around the clock, in their own home or down a motorway.

About Carers Wales

Carers Wales is part of Carers UK. We are a charity led by carers, for carers – our mission is to make life better for carers. 

• We give expert advice, information and support 

• We connect carers so no-one has to care alone 
• We campaign together for lasting change 
• We innovate to find new ways to reach and support carers 

COVID-19 Briefing: Impact on Unpaid Carers in Wales - Carers UK

Caring Behind Closed Doors: six months on - Carers UK

Website: www.carerswales.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CarersWales  

Twitter: @CarersWales

Carers Wales is part of Carers UK.  Carers UK is a charity registered in England and Wales (246329) and In Scotland (SCO39307) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (864097).