The charity Carers First works directly with, and for, thousands of carers across Lincolnshire, providing personalised information and tailored support in the way that suits them: online, on the phone, or face-to-face in their local community.

They have launched a campaign to suppport carers in getting help making ends meet this winter.

Lighten the Load aims to raise awareness of the financial support available to carers and increase the number accessing that support.

The campaign is a response to a survey conducted by the charity which found that more than nine out of ten carers are worried about the cost of living.

The survey also revealed that nine in ten of carers are losing sleep because they are worrying about how to afford the basic essentials, and more than half are already in debt, or will be soon, owing to their caring responsibilities. A third are going without food on a regular basis.

Damien, 44, from Boston, cares for his wife who has mental health challenges and physical disabilities. Damien is also affected by anxiety.

The constant news headlines about the cost-of-living has amplified Damien’s anxiety. He is also worried about how they are going to manage this winter. He says, “Last winter I sat in all my clothes and my coat. I haven’t got any more clothes to put on this winter; what am I going to do?

The charity is hearing of more stories like Damien’s from other carers, but many are unaware help is available.

Alison Taylor, Chief Executive at Carers First, said: “Many carers are under great financial pressures with soaring energy, food and housing costs, and this is negatively impacting on their physical and mental health. We want to make sure carers like Charlotte get the support they need to make ends meet this winter.”

Carers First surveyed over 1,000 unpaid carers in August to find out how the rising cost of living was affecting their lives. The survey found that:

• Nine in ten of carers (93%) are worried about the rising cost of living.
• 93% are losing sleep because they are worrying about how to afford the basic essentials.
• Over half (52%) of carers are already in debt, or will be soon, owing to their caring responsibilities.
• One in five (21%) carers not accessing financial support didn’t realise that help was available to them.
• A third of carers have already significantly changed their food shopping habits, and many are already going without food on a regular basis.
• 33% of carers are not going out in a bid to save money, leaving them even more lonely and isolated.
• 15% of carers are now experiencing severe mental health and depression.

The charity has created a dedicated section on its website promoting the information, tools and resources to help carers maximise their income and make their money go further. Carers can sign up to a free email series ‘Financial Support in Five Steps’ which breaks down information about financial support into simple, straightforward guidance. This includes claiming benefits, grants, discounts, help with paying household bills and budgeting.

The charity is also promoting support available from partners including Discount for Carers, the Legal and General Care Concierge service and Anglian Water.

To find out more about the campaign, visit https://www.carersfirst.org.uk/LightenTheLoad/.

Our local staff teams in Lincolnshire, Essex, Hackney, Haringey, Medway, Newham, Southend and Waltham Forest work in the community to help carers who need more dedicated support.

If you or someone you know could benefit from support from Carers First, call the helpline on 0300 303 1555 or email hello@carersfirst.org.uk.

Local carers are available to speak to the media. For example Simone, a carer from London, who says: “There isn’t enough food for both of us so I eat my son’s leftovers.” Or Alan, a carer from Essex, who says: “Heating or eating is a real decision that people must make. It’s a constant worry that keeps me from sleeping.”