TWO charities which have provided support for carers for 25 years are joining forces to expand their services.

Scarborough & Ryedale Carers Resource and Hambleton and Richmondshire Carers Centre have provided unpaid carers across their respective areas with information, advice and support services.

Over this time, they have developed a partnership between the teams sharing knowledge, expertise and resources wherever possible and as a result will be officially combining from July 1 as Carers Plus Yorkshire

Elizabeth McPherson, Chief Executive Officer, said: "Both organisations have developed a highly valued and impactful carers service, valued by our clients and those who commission our work.

" We have built a team of exceptionally skilled advisers who are knowledgeable and understanding, committed to placing clients at the heart of their work.

Elizabeth said: "As organisations we are proud to have a reputation for listening and acting upon carers’ voices to ensure our services and support directly meets the needs of the unpaid carer community we serve.

"Most recently Scarborough & Ryedale Carers Resource sought to diversify their offer to include work within the wider community.

" They have extended their portfolio to include opportunities for unpaid carers and non-carers: Action Towards Inclusion (employment support), Home from Hospital, My Neighbourhood (aiming to reduce loneliness and isolation) and Community Services (originally established to reduce the impact of COVID 19). "

Elizabeth added: "Earlier this year we started the journey to become one charity, strategically aiding sustainability, and operationally safeguarding services well into the future.

"We join forces officially on July 1, however, Scarborough & Ryedale Carers Resource has adopted the new name from immediate effect.

Elizabeth said: "Over the coming months we will be working to bring Carers Plus Yorkshire clients the benefits of our union, the first of which will be the development of a new website full of fantastic features including meaningful resources, case studies, information and a wonderful diary of activities and opportunities.

"Our union will not only bring strength to the future of both organisations but will ensure that a vibrant and high quality service is guaranteed for all carers across the areas we cover. I am immensely proud of our team and the trustees, as we come together to create one charity with vision and understanding."

The potential to explore these and new opportunities across our developing geography is a very exciting prospect.

For more information go to www.carersresource.net