If you’re an unpaid carer living in South Tees and would like someone to talk to Let’s Care Together could be for you!
Let’s Care Together is a short-term, befriending service for unpaid carers, delivered remotely and run by Business in the Community (BITC) and Simplyhealth. It’s available UK-wide and all befrienders are trained volunteers, many of whom have carer experience themselves. It’s designed for carers with busy lives, particularly those juggling care and work, who might just need a bit of support, a friendly listening ear and someone professional to talk to. You might not have thought to reach out to your local carers' services or simply have not had the time.
The goal of the programme is to help you focus on your own health and wellbeing, offering a listening ear and a neutral person to talk to. You’ll also have the chance to explore additional support options, connecting with services whenever and wherever you choose.
Key benefits include:
• A supportive, confidential, and non-judgmental listening ear for carers feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or struggling with their responsibilities
• Guidance and signposting to specialist services, opportunities, and local support groups
• Helping you build a stronger support network and feel more connected to your wider community
• Focused on your wellbeing, with any concerns raised to BITC for further support
The programme is open to all unpaid carers, including parent carers and young people (over 18).
If you’re an employer with a staff member who is a carer for someone such as an elderly or disabled relative, or child or spouse with additional needs, and they’re struggling with their own wellbeing, the programme can help them better understand what support is available, how to access it, and how to build their resilience and confidence.
Signing up to the programme is a simple, online process that can also be done over the phone:
1. Firstly, create an account and complete a profile.
2. Then, choose from 3 available befrienders based on their profiles.
3. The befriender will reach out and agree on the date for the first session.
The programme includes up to six sessions, scheduled at a time that suits both you and the befriender, typically during working hours. However, if you need an exception, the mentor will try and work around this. The sessions are flexible, so if you feel your needs are met before the six sessions are complete, you can choose to end early. The first session is about getting to know each other, and the second focuses on your needs and goal-setting. The following sessions will work toward those goals, but the approach can be as casual or structured as you like. Each session lasts 45 minutes to an hour, and the programme ends after six sessions, with both you and the befriender completing an evaluation. If needed, you can be referred back to the programme for further support.
Here’s what some carers have said about the programme:
“I’m really enjoying the sessions so far. I feel like sharing my thoughts and worries definitely helps me with my anxiety.”
“Even though there’s an age difference between us, my befriender feels like a friend. I feel comfortable sharing what’s on my mind because I know she won’t judge or put pressure on me.”
Anyone interested in signing up to the programme can access information here Business in the Community's Let's Care Together Programme
