Cornwall’s unpaid carers will soon be able to access more specialised support as part of a new service launching in November that is tailored to their individual circumstances.
Disability Cornwall and Isles of Scilly will coordinate the new service, working with Barnardo's, Alzheimer's Society, Rethink Mental Illness, and Whitehead-Ross Social Work to provide different kinds of support based on a carer's needs.
Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna, said:
"Each carer's circumstances are different – someone caring for a child has very different needs from someone caring for a partner with dementia, so the support available needs to reflect that.
"This newly commissioned service will bring specialist organisations together and builds on the existing support available so carers can get more help that is easier to access and specific to their needs."
Disability Cornwall and Isles of Scilly said:
“We are incredibly proud to have been entrusted with leading and coordinating this new service for Cornwall’s unpaid carers.
“We know carers make an extraordinary contribution to our families and communities, but too often their own needs, wellbeing and aspirations can be overlooked. We want carers to know that support is there for them, whether they need information and advice, understanding their rights and entitlements, practical help, a break from caring, or simply someone who understands their circumstances.
“As an organisation rooted in lived experience and co-production, we also want carers themselves to help shape how the service develops. This is the beginning of a long-term partnership, and we are really looking forward to working with carers and our partners across Cornwall to build a service that listens, learns and responds to what people actually need.”
Cornwall Council published the Caring in Cornwall strategy earlier this year following extensive engagement with over 800 unpaid carers from across Cornwall, who said they wanted support that better reflected their individual needs.
Barnardo's will deliver the Young Carers Service, providing a whole-family approach to supporting young carers up to the age of 18.
Whitehead-Ross Social Work Ltd will provide the Parent Carer Specialist Advisor Service, supporting parent carers of young people with SEND who are transitioning into adulthood, as well as those caring for adult children who could not manage without their support.
Rethink Mental Illness will provide the Mental Health Carer Specialist Advisor Service, offering specialist support for carers of people with serious and enduring mental health needs.
Alzheimer's Society, along with their partners, will deliver the Specialist Dementia Service, , providing a whole-family approach for people living with dementia and their carers.
Working together, these organisations will deliver a joined-up support offer aligned to the vision, objectives and priorities set out in the Carers Strategy.
Carers will be able to access:
Information, advice and guidance
Carers' assessments
Emergency and planned short-break support
Telephone and online support
Help to connect carers with local services, organisations and community support networks
Cllr McKenna added:
"By bringing together a range of organisations and expertise, we want to ensure carers can access information, advice and support that helps them maintain their own health and wellbeing while continuing in their caring role, if they choose to do so.
"We are grateful to all the organisations that have supported carers across Cornwall over many years. Their commitment, experience and dedication have helped create the strong foundations on which this next phase of support will build."
Cornwall Rural Community Charity, who provided the outgoing service with partners including Promas and Age UK said:
“As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we are proud of our achievements delivering the Cornwall Carers Service.
“The service has supported thousands of carers and their families and has played an important role in strengthening communities. Our priority now is to work with the new provider to allow a smooth transition for carers, staff and partners.”
The new service is expected to be in place in November this year (2026). The Council will be working with the previous provider and the new provider to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible for both carers and staff.
The phone number to access services will remain the same - 01736 756655
Caring in Cornwall - A Strategy for Carers of all ages 2026-2031