Herefordshire Carers' Support

Herefordshire Carers’ Support (HCS), cedes legacy to Worcester Association of Carers (WAC) and HVOSS

Herefordshire Carers came together at Saxon Hall, Hereford, on March 5th, to celebrate the end of an era. HCS has supported carers and carer groups across the county since 1995, profiling their needs with employers and GP’s, offering support to access training, leisure activities, local facilities, social care, advocacy, etc.

Since the withdrawal of funding from Hereford Council (2019), HCS continued to support Carer groups and to develop an exit strategy (March 31st 2020), which included

a transfer of its residual funding, aimed at sustaining its legacy, for the benefit of carers in Herefordshire.

Monies were passed to HVOSS to maintain and develop support for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers, including the management of the residue of a Children In Need Award. Two former HCS workers, who had been very involved in this arena, will continue their support through HVOSS.

The remainder of the HCS funds, carefully managed by their treasurer, were presented to WAC, who tendered for the award of £60,000.00. They will continue to support Herefordshire Carer groups and to help plan carers’ activities, facilitating respite. This support will be spearheaded by two former HCS workers, who will now be integrated into WAC, and known as Hereford Carers. There is sufficient funding for two years plus, and it is to be hoped that extra funds will become available, in due course.

10 The celebrations saw a coming together of carers from all corners of Herefordshire, paying tribute to the HCS legacy, and raising a glass to the future. HCS was represented by the trustees and employees (past and present). Tribute was paid to Baroness Jill Pitkeathly, Patron, who was sadly unable to attend. Her presence was needed in “The House”. It was good to see County Councillor Diane Tonybee showing an interest in the group.

Sheila March the outgoing Chair of HCS trustees presented the cheque to Carole Cumino, CEO of WAC

With the ongoing COVID 19 crisis tribute must be paid to those unpaid carers, caring for loved ones, who in this period of lockdown, have little opportunity for accessing external support – all Day Opportunities are closed, and many are self isolated, with little respite. In addition thanks must also go to those paid carers, supporting people in Residential Care homes and Supported Living settings. They are all a part of the growing band of “unsung heroes”

photos: top - cheque from HCS for WAC supporting Herefordshire Carer groups and carers’ activities

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