Suffolk Family Carers has moved swiftly in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, to ensure a more flexible, available and reassuring service in the community than ever before.
The organisation, which has seen an influx in contact from concerned carers in recent days, is continuing to deliver a seven-day-week solution for service users, shifting some interaction and appointments to the likes of ‘live chat’ and video conference calls.
Keen to expand its delivery in the eventuality of a longer-term lock-down period, the organisation is also working with statutory partners and is currently developing plans for additional services to be offered to elder and high-risk service users who may find themselves in self-isolation.
Kirsten Alderson, CEO, said: “We have entered a period of such uncertainty, so naturally it is a really difficult time for those who have key caring responsibilities for family members.
“Suffolk Family Carers has become a lifeline for a lot of these people int the county, so we recognise that we have to go to great lengths to ensure our service can be as flexible and responsive as possible, so that our hours remain unchanged, and that our interaction is as extensive as ever.
“The only thing we have had to cease is our face-to-face work. We’ve moved speedily to ensure that sort of work can be replaced by video and live chat contact.”
Suffolk Family Carers typically delivers some 10,000 interventions in support of families every year.
Based in Claydon, the charity has over 14,000 registered family carers and delivers numerous schemes, groups and support activities throughout the county.
Kirsten added: “I would urge any existing service user or someone who now finds themselves in a caring role, to get in touch with us and see how we can assist.
“Our information hub is available seven days a week to provide information, guidance and emotional support, and our incredible team has vast experience and empathy.”
For more information about Suffolk Family Carer’s services, contact 01473 735477 or visit the organisation’s website.
