Making a difference to unpaid carers in North Somerset
Over 30,000 adult carers in North Somerset support their loved ones, often feeling isolated along the way. Carers UK report that eight out of 10 carers have experienced loneliness due to their caring responsibilities.
From 2022 to 2023, our carers support service helped over a thousand unpaid carers, but many struggle to access the support outside of their caregiving role. This is where you can help!
We’re looking for carer companion volunteers to offer a helping hand. As a companion, you’ll be matched with an unpaid adult carer to provide weekly catchups, in person or over the phone, as well as one-to-one support to boost mood, confidence and wellbeing and get involved in recreational activities and hobbies.
No prior experience or qualifications are required. We’ll provide guidance throughout, with training sessions and regular check-ins with Maz, our Volunteer Coordinator.
Are you ready to make a difference? Join us as a carer companion today!
Some of our current carer support service volunteers share their experience, take a look.
From personal struggle to helping others
Marc’s journey into volunteering started from his own experience through addiction recovery, where he found support in connecting to the wider community beyond his recovery circle. This led him to volunteer for various organisations, including Alliance Homes’ carer support service.
Reflecting on his experience, Marc shared, “The biggest thing for me has been being able to hear the service users’ stories and seeing their smiles for those moments they’re carefree. It’s important that they’re able to have moments away from their caring responsibilities.”
Marc encourages others to become a carer companion. “From the get-go, I’ve felt like my experience is going to add value to the service. I’d recommend volunteering with the carers service to anyone looking to give back to the community and even learn a little bit more about themselves in return.”
Marc, a carer companion volunteer with the carers support service and Maz Neads, Volunteer Coordinator at Alliance Homes.
Craft, connect and community
Carmel, an unpaid carer for her adult son who has Autism, understands first hand the challenges and joys of caring. Over the past six months, she has been volunteering with the carers support service where her infectious personality and sense of humour brightens up everyone around her. As a volunteer session coordinator, she lends a helping hand at the service’s regular coffee mornings and now hosts her own craft workshop.
Carmel shares, “volunteering allows me to give back to other carers facing similar challenges.” She emphasises the warmth and support she’s received from the team as well as the friendships she has made with the other carers.
To find out more about the carers support service and the volunteering opportunities visit our website, alternatively you can contact Maz at maria.neads@alliancehomes.org.uk.