Expanding our offer

We’ve been supporting Surrey’s carers for 30 years, and many carers have benefited from our services, activities and support from our wonderful staff.

However, our research, current data and feedback from carers and professionals across Surrey has told us that we are meeting some carers’ needs, but could be doing more.  We also know that not all carers are aware of our services or accessing the support that we can provide.

As a result, we are making some changes to increase choice, access and engagement. There’s a lot going on, but here are the key changes:

Open more often

We are expanding our Helpline hours, and from 1st May, will be open more weekday evenings as well as Saturday mornings. We’re also offering more events in the evenings and on weekends to allow more carers to attend. And we will have dedicated advisor teams, available in person, and online.

Hub locations

We’re changing some of the locations and opening hours of our Hubs — and will have regular sessions in eight ‘Hub’ locations (chosen for population size and transport access) and also offer events and activities at ‘satellite’ locations –  right across Surrey, as well as continuing our broad programme of online events.

Our Hub locations are Addlestone, Camberley, Epsom, and Hersham; with new Hubs being set up shortly in Oxted, Guildford, Redhill and Woking.

Meeting everyone’s needs

Carers come from all sorts of backgrounds, have very varied caring situations and needs. So, we will be offering more ‘tailored’ events to meet the needs of different types of carers, such as our new men’s group, condition-specific support groups and subject-focused events.

Help for younger carers

Young carers will benefit from an expanded offer too. As well as our events, we will be having regular young carer youth groups, as well as holiday clubs and residentials.

We also have a new team to work with young carers who’ve finished school and are off to college, university, or work as they manage the issues involved in juggling life with their caring roles.

Simplified support

And internally, we’re restructuring, and bringing in more efficient systems and processes, to ensure you get the best possible support. So for example you should never be asked to repeat your ‘story’ and will get rapid access to the specific help you need.

For whatever help you’re after, your first point of contact is our Helpline either on 0303 040 1234 or email [email protected] And you’ll find all our events at www.actionforcarers.org.uk/events