The last census highlighted that there were over 120,000 unpaid carers across Surrey which is 10% of the population of Surrey. We know that this has greatly increased since, as we have an ever-ageing population that requires more care.

Caring for someone else is a long, lonely, and hard thing to do and often done at the unpaid carers own expense. There is no holiday, no sick pay, no pay rise, and no strike option. Unpaid carers prevent early hospital admissions and do an unbelievable job not just for the person they are caring for but also by relieving further pressure on the NHS.

Without support unpaid carers often suffer physical and mental health problems themselves as they care for loved ones 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week.

Crossroads Care Surrey exists to support unpaid carers and that includes young unpaid carers too. The support they offer comes mainly in the form of respite breaks but extends from companionship visits all the way through to end of life care.