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Local charity Sheffield Mencap & Gateway has been awarded £264,974 by the National Lottery Community Fund to deliver a new service providing vital support to carers of people with learning disabilities or autism in communities across Sheffield. The charity, which has provided support to carers since 1951, secured the funding in response to critical needs identified in Sheffield City Council’s 2022 report into the disproportionate impacts of Covid-19 on carers. The new Carers Support Service will bring together carers in communities across Sheffield, forming social support groups. With over a quarter of carers (29%) reporting feeling lonely ‘often or always’ (Carers UK, State of Caring 2022) these groups will be a key part of reducing isolation and improving wellbeing. The service is rooted in the NHS endorsed ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ concept, with groups providing opportunities to connect through shared experiences, give back to others through peer support, and learn new skills. Carers of people with a learning disability or autism and their loved ones in Sheffield will be able to access the service from July 2023, with a predicted 450 people being supported over the 3-year funding period.  Kelly Daubney, Senior Manager of Carers Projects at Sheffield Mencap and […]