Carers’ charity set to close after 15 years

A charity supporting unpaid carers in Melksham is due to close at the end of March.

After 15 years, Carer Support Wiltshire is closing on 31st March due to ongoing and significant funding challenges.

The charity says that despite exploring all viable options, it is no longer able to operate in a financially sustainable way.

Charity Manager Victoria Williamson 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.”

Carer Support Wiltshire ran various activities for unpaid carers in Melksham, including art and creative writing workshops, music sessions and support groups.

Melksham’s former Carers Champion David Walker said, “As one of the many carers and ex-carers in Wiltshire I was sad to hear that Carer Support Wiltshire will no longer be offering their services to carers and those that they care for. I was a full-time unpaid carer for my wife Georgina, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012.

“Like many carers, I welcomed the support and advice provided by Carer Support Wiltshire over the ensuing years, often in challenging circumstances. In particular, I was grateful for the opportunity to attend carer related workshops and meet up with other carers at the carers cafés and share knowledge and experience and to know that as a carer you were not alone.”

Another charity, Carers Together Wiltshire, will continue to provide support for carers in Melksham.

“Although no longer a career, I am delighted that Carers Together Wiltshire will continue to provide support and advice to carers, including facilitating the Melksham Carers Café at the Kings Arms pub on the first Thursday each month from 10.30am to 12pm,” said David. “Other Carer events and cafés are listed on their website.”