Celebrating 10 years of Talk & Support

Suffolk Family Carers celebrate 10 years of the Volunteer lead Talk & Support service

The Deputy Mayor of Ipswich, Roger Fern joined around 30 volunteers, family carers, and staff to celebrate 10 years of the ‘Talk and Support’ service provided by volunteers to family carers across Suffolk.

Our Talk & Support volunteers invest their time and energy and gave 1,826 hours last year. They provide a valuable listening ear service that supports those family carers who may have a particularly difficult caring role, or who may be isolated. The volunteers provide family carers with regular contact to support them in their caring role and information that enables them to make informed decisions about their lives.

One Family Carer said: “Many, many thanks for the support you have given me over this last year, I don’t think I would have managed without our conversations each week.”

Kirsten Alderson, CEO at Suffolk Family Carers thanked volunteers past and present, by saying: “We are so fortunate to have such wonderful volunteers who understand what family carers are going though and show such empathy and understanding. Thank you for providing such an excellent service you really are a lifeline to so many.”

Family carers can find out more about the Talk & Support service by calling the Suffolk Family Carers Information Line on 01473 835477.

Roger Fern, Deputy Town Mayor for Ipswich added: “This really is an essential service, it is fantastic to hear that time is taken by Suffolk Family Carers to match volunteers with family carers.”

If you are interested in finding out more about the volunteer roles at Suffolk Family Carers please call 01473 835450 , email volunteer@suffolkfamilycarers.org or visit www.suffolkfamilycarers.org