Carers charity to close after 15 years
It's due to ongoing and significant financial challenges
A charity that supports thousands of carers in Wiltshire is set to close after 15 years.
Carer Support Wiltshire has offered guidance and respite to 11,000 of the county’s 48,000 unpaid carers.
Some of the carers the Trowbridge-based charity supports are as young as five – children supporting parents who need help – while others are elderly people supporting husbands or wives.
At the end of 2024 – the last year for which figures are available – the charity had an income of £1.7 million, with the vast majority coming from “charitable activities.”
But its outgoings totalled more than £1.8 million.
Its largest funders included the Carers Trust, Wiltshire Community Foundation, and Wiltshire Council.
The charity – and its twin organisation Carer Support Dorset – will close on March 31.
Nigel Sully, chair of trustees, explained: “The closure is due to ongoing and significant funding challenges which mean that, despite having explored all viable options to secure the future of the organisation, the charity is no longer able to operate in a financially sustainable way.
“We recognise that this news will be distressing for many. We are also acutely aware of the impact this decision may have on carers and the people they care for, as well as on our partners, staff, volunteers and supporters who have worked alongside us.
“Over the next couple of months, we will focus on bringing our services to a close in a planned and thoughtful way and we will seek to manage the process responsibly and with care for those affected.
“Where possible, we will work with partners to support carers during this transition and we will ensure clear and timely communication throughout the closure period.”
The news was met with dismay on the charity’s Facebook page, with one supporter saying: “This is awful news, and a massive loss to both counties. A huge thank you to everyone through the years for everything you’ve collectively done to support me and my gang.
“Very, very sad to hear this, especially for those currently accessing support, advice and information.”
Another wrote: “I am so sorry to hear this. The support you gave me when I was caring for my mum during the COVID lockdown was amazing, and got me through a couple of very difficult years.
“I haven’t needed your support recently, but it will be sad to know it’s not there for others, or if I needed it in the future.”
Another said: “This is awful news. You helped me so much with help for my son a few years ago.
“I don’t know what I would have done without you. I’m so sad to hear this.”