A CHARITY has closed its doors for the final time after losing council funding to an alternative service last year.

Herefordshire Carers Support, which worked to support unpaid carers, said they were no longer viable after funding was withdrawn from April 2019.

Patron Baroness Jill Pitkeathley and Chair of Trustees Sheila Marsh said it was doubly sad to have had to close in a time when unpaid carers are under more pressure, and more isolated, than ever.

In a joint statement, they said: "For 25 years, HCS has been the county's only charity dedicated to carers. We are proud of our record in supporting carers, working with GPs, schools, and the health and care system.

"Too often, organisations say carers do a great job but don't invest in supporting them. The amount invested in carers has dropped hugely in recent years, just when care needs are growing.

"Our thanks go to the many people, local organisations and businesses who have supported us loyally over the years. We would have achieved so much less without you."

Remaining funds have been transferred to HVoss, which will host their young carers clubs and activities and their young adult carers service for the next two years, and to Worcestershire Association of Carers, to allow trips and events for local carer groups to continue for two years.

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said: “In preparation for the end of the existing contracted service provision, a newly designed carers service was developed with carers in response to the priorities set out in the Joint Carers Strategy for Herefordshire 2017 – 2021. On 1 April 2019 a new carers service ‘Carer Links’ was launched in Herefordshire. This service is provided by Crossroads Together (formally Carers Trust 4All) who were the successful bidder for carers services in Herefordshire following an open tender process in late 2018.

“Carer Links is delivered by a local team of five experienced carer advisors who are based out in the local community to support anyone facing the challenge of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, has a disability, or has mental health or addiction problems. More information about this service can be found on the Crossroads Together website and further information for carers is available from WISH.”