'Lifeline' charity that supports unpaid carers to close

A "lifeline" charity that supports unpaid carers will close after 15 years of helping thousands of people.

Carer Support Wiltshire, which offers guidance and respite to unpaid carers, will end all its services on 31 March.

The move comes in response to "significant funding challenges" with charity bosses saying no viable options remain on how to operate in a sustainable way.

Nigel Sully, chair of the charity's trustees, said: "This has been the hardest decision the board has ever had to make. We know how much these services have meant to unpaid carers. We are deeply saddened that, despite every effort, we can no longer continue this work."

Responding to the news, one of the people the charity has supported wrote online: "I can only say you have been a lifeline to me and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the help, support and reassurance you have provided for me caring for my husband over the last few years.

"Life would have been very much more difficult without you."

Since launching in 2011, the charity has helped thousands of unpaid carers aged between five and upwards.

It has also operated in neighbouring Dorset under the name Carer Support Dorset.

Victoria Williamson, charity manager, said: "It has been a privilege to support unpaid carers over the past 15 years.

"Our staff and volunteers have shown extraordinary dedication and compassion, and our priority now is to support carers, staff and volunteers with care and honesty through this transition."

According to Wiltshire Council data, 14% (about 42,873) of working people in the county classed themselves as having caring duties for a loved one in 2024.

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