Carers Relief Service

We are delighted to introduce you to the third of our three charities, which will be supported by the proceeds from the Lenham Family Festival 2019.

​Carers Relief Service is a registered charity started in 1983 by a group of parents and professionals to offer a short break to carers of adults with learning disabilities living at home. 

​The charity employs Personal Support Workers to work in the community with adults who have a learning disability to relieve the main carer from the pressure of caring. The service is designed to meet each carer’s specific needs and provides a person centred approach to delivering an individual care plan to the adult with a learning disability. ​

Over the years the emphasis has changed from staff staying in the client's home to more requests to encourage adults with a learning disability to make choices about the activities they engage in within their community. Duties can include, shopping, swimming, hospital visits, attending parties and clubs, discos and support to attend a college course. Support workers may also stay in the home to provide time for carers to relax, enjoy an outside interest or attend a social event.

​The charity also provides a service to those wishing to purchase care hours using direct payments or individualised budgets. A number of clubs and activity groups for adults with learning difficulties have also been established by the charity to improve their quality of life. 

The charity operates in the Medway, Swale and Maidstone areas and is managed by a committee of carers, professionals and volunteers who work closely with the local social services departments in Medway Council and Kent County Council. ​

​Carers Relief Service is registered with the Care Quality Commission and has a GOOD rating.