About Action for Family Carer's
Action for Family Carers is a long-established Essex-based charity that has been supporting unpaid carers for nearly 35 years. Most of us know someone who cares for a family member or friend due to age, disability, long-term health conditions, or addiction. In fact, as many as one in five schoolchildren are likely to be young carers. Many of your staff and customers may be carers themselves.
They provide practical and emotional support to unpaid carers of all ages, helping them manage the challenges of caring for a loved one. Our services include Information, Advice and Guidance, free Counselling, Day Care and Activity Groups, Peer Support Groups, small Grants, and a range of targeted services for Young Carers.
They are also the largest provider of Young Carer services in Essex, offering Young Carers Clubs, school-based support, and opportunities for respite and personal development through their Making Memories Programme. Their aim is to ensure that carers feel recognised, respected, and supported in achieving their own goals in life.
Action for Family Carer's Challenges
Caring, while often rewarding, can be isolating, stressful, and overwhelming. A large proportion of carers, especially young carers, do not identify themselves as carers, meaning many miss out on vital support. This invisibility makes it harder for charities like theirs to reach them.
They are seeing increasing demand for their services as carers face growing pressures balancing work, education, and their caring responsibilities. At the same time, funding constraints and rising operational costs put pressure on our ability to expand and maintain services. Families often hesitate to ask for help due to fears about social care involvement or stigma, which means many carers remain hidden and unsupported.
Despite these challenges, we remain committed to reaching more unpaid carers and improving their quality of life.
Action for Family Carer's Achievements
Action for Family Carers has made a profound impact on the lives of unpaid carers in Essex for over three decades. They support thousands of carers annually, including around 900 young carers who face challenges balancing education, social life, and their caring roles.
Their work has led to measurable outcomes:
· 86% of young carers report feeling happier
· 61% feel less stressed and anxious
· 87% say they now have someone to talk to
· 80% make new friends
· 73% get a much-needed break from caring
They provide continuity and long-term support that young carers deeply value. Through their clubs, trips, school visits, and counselling services, they give them the chance to enjoy their childhood, develop social connections, and improve their emotional wellbeing.
They are proud to hold the Carers Trust Excellence for Carers Award, recognising their commitment to best practice in supporting carers. Their ongoing goal is to continue expanding their reach so more unpaid carers in Essex and beyond can be recognised, supported, and valued.
Action for Family Carer's
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