Free help for Uckfield carers

Free help is available in Uckfield to give carers a break when looking after people who are frail, have a physical or mental illness or a disability.

The British Red Cross runs a service called The North Wealden Carers' Respite Scheme which provides trained volunteers to give the unpaid carer a short break to do whatever they want to do - go shopping, get a haircut, visit friends, go to the bank or perhaps do some gardening.

Another important aspect of the service is often the offer of emotional support both for the carer and the cared-for.

Weekly visits can be made by a volunteer over a period of four to six weeks to help with outings and shopping, assistance with meals, help with form filling and even dog walking.

They are unable to offer personal care or undertake any heavy housework.

The service covers Uckfield, Heathfield, Crowbrough and surrounding villages.

Anybody interested in volunteering will be warmly welcomed. Training will be given and travel and out of pocket expenses paid. Please click here for contact details.

The British Red Cross also has a desk at the Uckfield Volunteer and Information Centre which is open weekdays (except Thursday) 10am to 1pm and people are welcome to call in there to learn more about the organisation's services.

(Added to site Tuesday, November 17th, 2009)