NEWCIS' story

Caring for carers - through crisis and beyond

The Carers Support Fund continues to provide a variety of services that have proven essential support for carers’ wellbeing - physically, mentally and financially.

                           Tracy Stockin, Contracts Monitoring Officer, NEWCIS

NEWCIS (North East Wales Carers Information Service), a network partner of Carers Trust Wales, plays a vital role in supporting unpaid carers, predominantly across Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham. Through the Carers Support Fund, NEWCIS has been able to provide immediate relief and long-term support to carers facing financial hardship, emotional strain and the challenges of their caring roles.

Immediate relief in times of crisis

The Carers Support Fund has been instrumental in addressing urgent needs. Carers experiencing food insecurity have received shopping vouchers and fresh food boxes, often during critical periods such as hospital discharges or financial crises.

The fresh food box service, delivered weekly for four weeks, includes essentials like fruit, vegetables, milk, eggs and bread. It supports around 30 carers each week, particularly those recently assessed or in crisis. This service not only provides nourishment but also alleviates the stress of shopping, especially for elderly carers without internet access or family support.

The food box was absolutely marvellous and so kind… it made such a difference as we can't really go out to pick up fresh things just yet. It has taken such a weight off my mind.

Emotional and practical support

I don’t get much time for me anymore, it’s nice to put myself first and have someone listen to what I wanted. Thank you all.

Beyond food provision, the fund enables access to counselling services, offering up to six sessions to help carers manage emotional challenges and build resilience, particularly around financial wellbeing. In areas with long waiting lists for mental health support, this timely intervention is often described as a “lifesaver.”

Not sure what I would do without this help, it opened my eyes to asking when I need support.

Building long-term resilience

While the fund addresses immediate needs, a key strength lies in its ability to connect carers with broader, ongoing support. All recipients are registered with NEWCIS and benefit from a wraparound service that includes referrals to financial advice, energy-saving workshops and other specialist services.

“The food box service has helped so much, but also the extra information that came with it has helped me do some thinking for future.”

Carol’s Story

After reading about the Carers Support Fund in a local article, Carol* reached out to NEWCIS. She received a food voucher and was supported in accessing wider financial help, including energy-saving advice and a referral to Citizens Advice. Tracy says, “The Carers Support Fund supported Carol immediately with help for food and essentials but it also allowed us to help her more holistically, with future financial planning and support.” 

Kelly’s Story

Forced out of work due to illness, Kelly* was awaiting benefits and had little family support. NEWCIS provided a food voucher and helped her access financial advice. As Kelly had been dealing with a very stressful condition for some months, NEWCIS also helped Kelly to access the Short Breaks Scheme, another Welsh Government funded scheme coordinated by Carers Trust Wales. Each scheme supported the other and not only gave Kelly immediate relief, but they also helped to look after wellbeing in the longer term.

Impact in Numbers

• Over 500 awards made for essentials like white goods and IT equipment
• 180 food boxes and 158 food vouchers distributed
• 72 carers supported with cost-of-living and crisis pressures

Connected

The Carers Support Fund, delivered by NEWCIS, is more than a crisis response, it’s a gateway to empowerment. By addressing immediate needs and connecting carers to ongoing support, the fund helps avert crises, reduce stress and build resilience. Carers emerge not only supported but also more informed, confident and connected.

^{*Names are changed to protect privacy}