AN online service providing round-the-clock support for unpaid carers across Cumbria during the festive period has been launched.

With Christmas Day on Sunday, the bank holiday weekend will see many services being closed for four days however Carer-Connect will be available for unpaid carers to go to for support.

Carer-Connect was launched by Carer Support South Lakes and is now available for people across the county.

The online service was developed with funding from the National Lottery, and was expanded to the whole of Cumbria through Carer Support Cumbria (CSC) with funding from the Cumbria Community Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund.

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Debi Marsden, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Carer Support Cumbria and former Operating Officer for Carer-Connect said: "The online service provides a safe place to come together, chat, and get the support and advice carers need without them having to leave their home - and also when other services are closed.

"They can chat online with other carers or members of our team and volunteers who have experience of caring for loved ones.

"It can be very isolating, caring for someone 24/7 and it can be very difficult to meet with others, as well as access the support available.

"Carer-Connect is a place carers can chat with others who understand what it is like to be in your situation.

"It's a place where you can be heard and ask questions and share really helpful ideas in your caring role at any time - day or night."

It is free to join Carer-Connect and it is easy to register and create your own private, protected account by logging onto www.carer-connect.org.

Anyone interested in volunteering for Carer-Connect can contact admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk or call 01539 815970. 

If you are an unpaid Carer, support and advice is available from your local Carers Support organisations.

You can contact them by emailing or calling their office:

Carer Support South Lakes - Email: admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk, or 01539 815970
Carlisle Carers Email: admin@carlislecarers.co.uk or 01228 542156
Carer Support Eden Email: enquiries@edencarers.co.uk or 01768 890280
Furness Carers Email: admin@furnesscarers.co.uk or 01229 822822
Carer Support West Cumbria Email: general@westcumbriacarers.co.uk or 01900 821976