Action for Family Carers
Brickhouse Farm, Poulton Close, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6NG
Tel: 01621 – 851640, Fax: 01621 – 874817
Registered Charity No: 1127164
Brief Profile:
Action for Family Carers, formally known as Maldon Carers Centre, was founded in 1989 and is a registered charity providing support and information to unpaid Carers. It is a network member of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, but maintains its own fully independent charitable status. The activities of the Centre are funded mainly by Essex County Council and the local NHS.
There areeight trustees, who are elected volunteers, form the Management Committee. There are twenty five paid staff and, seventeen volunteers who are led by the Centre’s CEO.
Carers are welcome to telephone the office or to drop in to the Centre for information, assistance or support. A separate area is available for this purpose and for meetings with staff, statutory bodies and other charitable organisations. The Centre has grown rapidly over the last four and half years,now delivering services and support to Carers in Maldon, Chelmsford, Braintree, Brentwood and Colchester.
The organisation currently consists of the following groups:
Adult Carer Support & Development – A team of five Adult Carer Support and Development Workers (CSDW) are responsible for; delivering one to one support to Carers, support groups, information and emotional support in Maldon, Chelmsford, Brentwood and Braintree. Our Carer Support team leader provides support to the team, develops new services and raises the profile of Carers within the local and county wide communities.
Carers Groups – There are twelve Carers groups currently, Maldon, Tollesbury, Burnham, Chelmsford. Witham, Braintree, Halstead and Brentwood.Further group meetings are being considered in Chelmsford and surrounding rural areas, mostly in partnership with other local organisations or businesses.
Advocacy - The Carers’ Advocacy Scheme is a free and confidential service which helps Carers to explore options and secure their rights. The service provides representation, acceptance and information. The Carers’ Advocate supports and works with Carers on specific decisions or tasks to help Carers reach the outcome which works best for them.
Young Carers - We deliver Young Carers Projects in the Chelmsford, Maldon and Colchester areas. The service is currently staffed by Seven Young Carers Support Workers (YCSW) and one Young Carers assistant, managed by our Young Carers Project Leader. The service provides club nights, one to one and holistic family support, outings, and access to accreditations, Young Carer Assessments and link project work within schools.
Respite for Carers - Managed by our Day Care Manager, and staffed by nine Care Assistants, who are supported by a number of volunteers.
Maldon Day Centre - The Maldon Day Centre is open four days a week and looks after up to thirteen cared-for clients per session, in order to give respite to their carers. Nine of these cared-for clients are required to meet Social Services’ criteria and be over 65 years of age, three days per week, whilst the remaining four places and extra day are held for private clients.
Village Respite– The respite scheme provides a similar service to the Maldon Daycentre except in more remote locations, normally in village halls once a week. The Outreach centres currently operate in Tollesbury, Burnham on Crouch, and Althorne.
Chelmsford Respite Project – This respite scheme offers a weekly Carers respite and support service at either Springfield or Great Baddow. Two venues are currently set up in Great Baddow and Springfield. The service caters for both carers and their cared-for but is flexible to suit individual Carers needs.
Statistics
Adult Carers supported: 1500 Young Carers Supported: 300
Centre Profile: KFE / 11.10.04 / Approval: Director / Last Amended:08.04.09 / ID: 1