Carers Support West Wiltshire started in 1989 as an independent voluntary organisation based in Bridge House, Trowbridge.

The geographic areas covered includes both urban and rural communities - the five towns of Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury, Bradford-on-Avon, Melksham and 42 parishes.

Since its initiation CSWW has grown and now supports approximately 1300 carers. In addition people who no longer care and become former carers are able to continue to access support from us.

Carers are people looking after their relatives or friends who, because of a disability, illness or the effects of old age, cannot manage at home without help. Carers are ordinary people who simply get on with what has to be done when someone close to them needs looking after.

Some may care for just a few hours a week - others may care for someone all day, every day. Many carers live with the people they care for, or they may visit the person in their own home. This could be miles away or just around the corner. The job carers do can be stressful and tiring, sometimes lasting for years on end. Many carers remain hidden' and do not recognise themselves as doing anything extraordinary. They may feel they should be able to cope or they may feel guilty about asking for help. Carers are a shifting population and span every age and social group.

  • National census (2002) statistics would indicate that there are 11059 carers in west Wiltshire.
  • About half of the carers caring for more than 20 hours a week are likely to be over 65
  • Carers Support West Wilts are in contact with approximately 1200 carers.

Carers Support West Wilts is committed to providing information, advice and support to adult carers.

  • Employing carer support workers who provide information, advice and confidential one to one support to carers
  • Facilitating and organising five carers support groups each month throughout west Wiltshire.
  • Providing carers with the opportunity to take a break from their caring role by organising outings and events. Carers are also given the opportunity to take part in training to build on existing skills and develop new skills both on an individual and group basis.
  • Raising the awareness of carers' needs with health and social care colleagues and working in partnership by developing training programmes and resources, providing consultancy, advice and practical help to these agencies to improve the response to meeting these needs.
  • Producing information that is accessible to carers and available in locations throughout west Wiltshire including a carers information pack and quarterly newsletters.
  • Empowering and supporting carers to take part in the consultation process and development of services.
  • Working in partnership with other voluntary and statutory agencies at both a local and countywide level to develop services for carers.
  • Awareness of the national agenda and ensuring that local practice and service provision reflects this and ensuring that National legislation is implemented at a local level.