CARERS’ Resource has been awarded new contracts by Bradford Council to provide services for unpaid carers in Bradford and Craven districts, for at least the next five years.

This means the charity will continue delivering emotional and practical support to carers of all ages across Bradford and Craven, as well as in the districts of Harrogate and Selby.

The charity has also been awarded the contract to continue delivering a carer navigator service based in BRI and Airedale hospitals, providing tailored support to carers and families of people who will need additional help once they leave hospital. All three contracts will begin in April 2023.

Chris Whiley, CEO of Carers’ Resource, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded these contracts. We have supported many thousands of carers across the Bradford and Craven districts over the years, and our staff carried on delivering a high quality of services even during the pandemic.

“These are particularly difficult times for unpaid carers and it’s vital that we continue to provide emotional and practical support, and raise awareness of the contribution unpaid carers make to society.

“We will continue to reach out to more carers across Bradford and Craven, seek new ways of supporting them, and help make a positive difference to their lives.”

Carers’ Resource has been running for over 25 years and has had a base in Shipley since 2009. The charity provides a wide range of services for unpaid carers including one-to-one support, information, support groups, employment and training advice, planning for emergencies, and wellbeing.

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.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “Caring for family or friends is something many of us are managing on a day to day basis and we do this because we want to provide the best for our loved ones but at the same time it can be challenging and often leave unpaid carers feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

“We are really pleased that Carers’ Resource have been awarded this contract and I am sure they will continue to provide the necessary support, advice and guidance to all those unpaid carers across the district when needed.”

For more information about Carers’ Resource, go to www.carersresource.org