Scarborough charity celebrates national carers week and announces rebrand

It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

Carers Plus Yorkshire, along with national charity Carers Trust have both shown their support for the campaign.

Carers Plus Yorkshire is the new name under which Scarborough & Ryedale Carers Resource and Hambleton and Richmondshire Carers Centre will soon be operating having decided to join forces.

They said: "We are proud to be part of the National Carers Week campaign and helping to ensure we make caring visible and valued."

Carers Trust has said: "Carers Week is brought to life by individuals, groups and organisations coming together from around the UK.

"This year, people across our nations are continuing to face challenges as a result of Covid-19.

"Many people, including current carers, took on even more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older who need help, but some carer support services have been withdrawn due to the pandemic.

"This year, during Carers Week we’re celebrating unpaid carers’ contribution and highlighting the continued challenges they face."

In unison with Carers Trust, Carers Plus Yorkshire also wants to highlight their view that unpaid carers deserve to be recognised for the vital contribution they make – and that they are here for them during Carers Week and beyond.

Elizabeth McPherson, Chief Executive Officer at Carers Plus Yorkshire, says : "This week coincides with a momentous occurrence for our organisation; we are joining forces with our neighbours in Hambleton and Richmondshire and changing our name.

"Our union will not only bring strength to the future of both organisations but will ensure that a vibrant and high quality service is guaranteed for all carers across the areas we cover.

"I am immensely proud of our team and the trustees, as we come together to create one charity with vision and understanding."

The history of the two organisations

For the last 25 years, Scarborough & Ryedale Carers Resource and Hambleton and Richmondshire Carers Centre have been providing unpaid carers across their respective areas with the highest quality information, advice and support services.

Over this time, the two teams have developed a unique partnership and a strong bond that has enabled them to share knowledge, expertise and resources wherever possible and in the best interests of their clients.

Both organisations have developed a valued and impactful carers service; valued by both their clients and those who commission their work.

Most recently Scarborough & Ryedale Carers Resource sought to diversify their offer to include work within the wider community.

They have extended their portfolio to include opportunities for unpaid carers and non-carers: Action Towards Inclusion (employment support), Home from Hospital, My

Neighbourhood (aiming to reduce loneliness and isolation) and Community Services (originally established to reduce the impact of Covid-19).

Earlier this year the two organisations started the journey to become one charity, strategically aiding sustainability, and operationally safeguarding services well into the future.

They join forces officially on July 1, embracing the challenge to meet their newly formed vision: "Carers Plus Yorkshire, where unpaid carers and those we support in the wider community feel

listened to, supported and empowered."

Ahead of July 1, Scarborough & Ryedale Carers Resource has adopted the new name and over the coming months will be working to bring Carers Plus Yorkshire clients the benefits of the new union; the first of which will be the development of a new website full of features including resources, case studies, information and a diary of activities and opportunities.