Suffolk Family Carers was started in 1988 to help raise awareness of family carers, their issues and their needs. A lot has changed since then - mostly for the better - but there is still more to do.

Then, as now, our purpose wasn’t to undermine the needs of cared-for people or compete for attention or resources. It was to gain recognition of the important contribution family carers make, and support them to carry on caring so they would be less likely to need care themselves (failing to invest in support and prevention could mean more family carers being unwilling or unable to provide care because of their own ill health). This benefits everyone, and at the same time reduces demand on services.

Back in 1988, we had just two part-time staff. We now employ 58 staff and have an annual turnover of about £1.5m. Nearly 82% of this comes from statutory organisations (Suffolk County Council, Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and Learning Skills Councils (LSCs)), with the rest from the National Lottery, grant-making trusts and other fund-raising.

Our major projects are:

• Community support team
• Suffolk Young Carers support team
• Mental Health support team

We run a number of smaller projects that offer family carers a range of high-quality services to help them look after their own health and wellbeing, and better cope in their caring role. Many projects are run from our Information and Support Centre in Claydon near Ipswich, recognised as a focal point for family carers and professionals in Suffolk. Our staff are also based in three acute hospitals in Suffolk, and our Outreach Link Centres in rural community buildings recognise the importance of getting information and services to people who cannot travel to Claydon.

We use family carers’ views and experiences to develop and improve our own priorities and services, and those of local, regional and national local authorities, PCTs, NHS Trusts, GPs, private and voluntary organisations and strategic partnerships. We have been recognised nationally many times for developing innovative services based on family carers’ needs.

We are members of the Princess Royal Trust Centre Network, and work closely with Carers UK. This lets us contribute to developments in national policy and learn about other people’s good work and experiences.

Contact us for a copy of our annual review.