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Milly Stokes

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Milly Stokes

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Carer Support South Lakes new CEO

Written by on 18/03/2022

The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the charity Carer Support South Lakes has pledged to do all she can to increase the number of unpaid Carers they help.

Debi Marsden, a former nurse, says she hopes to improve the reach of the charity into South Cumbria’s towns, villages and rural areas – where many unpaid Carers remain unaware support is available.

Debi has worked for the Kendal based charity for nearly five years and takes up her new role immediately.

“Despite the fact we help well over 1,200 unpaid Carers to cope with their caring responsibilities there are still many in the South Lakes struggling by alone,” says Debi.

“That can be exhausting both physically and mentally. So, one of the main aspirations of all the team here is to reach out and help as many unpaid Carers as possible,” she says.

She is hoping to establish a Carer’s Bus which would go to different communities on set days to make it easier for Carers to access support and advice.

Debi says: “I am delighted to be chosen to lead this fantastic local charity. We have a great team of volunteers, trustees and support workers and I am thrilled and privileged to lead such a wonderful team.”

Her appointment comes as Carer Support South Lakes marks its 30th anniversary. It’s looking to recruit local “Carer Champions” to highlight the charity’s work in their local communities.

“We want to let all unpaid Carers know that if they need support – we can offer it to them,” says Debi. “It may be through our sitting service – where a volunteer sits with the Cared For so that a Carer can take a much-needed respite break. Or it could be a residential weekend break for a Young Carer.”

“Carer Champions” are needed right across the South Lakes in areas like Kirkby Lonsdale, Coniston, Ambleside, Grasmere, Sedbergh, Arnside and Grange over Sands. “We are not looking for a huge commitment, perhaps a few hours each month,” explains Debi. “We need people willing to find out a bit more about the work we do and take that information into their local community.”

Debi, who’s married with two children, is a trained nurse and previously worked at the Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal before working as a registered domiciliary care manager helping keep people living independently in their own homes.

She was instrumental in launching Carer Support South Lakes’ Carer-Connect service – a purpose-built online community where Carers can connect with other Carers, find support and access vital information at any time.

The Carer-Connect service has been expanded from the South Lakes area to the whole of Cumbria thanks to funding from the Cumbria Community Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund. The hope is it will expand still further and eventually become a national service.

If you would like to discuss becoming a “Carer Champion” for the charity please call 01539 815970 and select Option 6.