Bridgend Carers Centre 

Bridgend Carers Centre, through the Carers Support Fund, is providing vital support to unpaid carers, something they’ve long needed but rarely asked for.

Thanks to the Carers Support Fund, a Welsh Government funded scheme managed by Carers Trust Wales, Bridgend Carers Centre has been able to offer tailored financial and emotional support to carers facing hardship.

The  impact of this fund have been transformative. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Sarah Jarvis, CEO of Bridgend Carers Centre. “Carers have said they feel a weight has been lifted off their shoulders, allowing them to focus more on those they care for.”

From food vouchers and white goods to debt advice and emotional reassurance, the support is very personal. Each carer’s journey begins with a one-to-one session to understand their unique financial situation. The team then tailors support, ranging from help with utility bills and council tax arrears to pensions, housing, and even inheritance issues.

The grants, typically between £100 and £300, have been used to pay for essentials like food, white goods and utilities.

One carer shared,

We were sleeping on the settee and chair when we heard about the grant. Our bed had broken months ago… You came to see us and made everything easy and ok. We are so grateful.

More than monetary support

Beyond financial aid, Bridgend Carers Centre has expanded its reach through 1-2-1 support ( via phone or in person) - creating safe spaces for carers to open up and where Bridgend Carers can understand their issues to better support them. These sessions have also enabled more effective signposting and cross-referrals.

Carers’ stories

Sarah recalls one particular carer they helped - Nam*- a carer for his mother who lives with dementia. Cultural expectations had long prevented him from seeking help, but after building trust with the centre’s staff, Nam received the support he desperately needed.

“I don’t know where I would be without you,” he said. “You’ve helped me get my debts under control, and now I can sleep at night. I have more time and energy to care for my mum and for myself.”

“I actually bought food from Tesco’s for the month,” another carer said. “It made paying the bills easier, and we could leave the heating on longer. I don’t know what I would have done without the grant.”

“I was able to buy my son a specialist pushchair,” said another. “Now I can take him out safely. It’s changed our lives.”

Supported

Through it all, the Bridgend Carers Centre’s approach remains rooted in empathy, trust and empowerment. As Sarah concludes, “Thanks to the Carers Support Fund we’re not just helping people survive, we’re helping them regain control and feel supported. There is help available and they don’t have to struggle on alone.”

^{*Names have been changed to protect privacy}