A long-serving worker is bidding farewell after 15 years of service at a charity.

Carer Support Eden, supported by Carer Support Cumbria – a charity that helps carers through assessments, support plans, health and wellbeing support, social activities and associated personalised support services, is saying goodbye to Wendy Rheam.

Wendy is retiring from her role as adult carer support coordinator and is handing over to new recruit Cairn Murray.

Wendy said: "There have been a lot of changes in support for unpaid carers since I joined in 2007.

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“I was the first official support worker for what was Eden Carers, carrying out carer assessments for adult social care.

"I joined before the Carers Act was passed by Parliament, which brought in emergency plans."

"As a charity, Carer Support Eden has developed to provide more services for people who are caring for their loved ones, providing unpaid carer.

"Carers have limited time to attend events that could enhance their lives and provide a break from their caring duties.

“This is why I believe the sitting service is one of the biggest changes introduced in the past 15 years.

"Our free sitting service gives unpaid carers a break from their role as a carer, whilst knowing that the person they care for is being looked after.

"I have seen how providing a volunteer sitter to stay with the person they care for, for just an hour a week can make such a difference to the unpaid carer.

"I also have a lot of respect for our volunteer sitters, going into people's homes makes such a difference to the unpaid carers’ lives.

"It is amazing what we can now offer Unpaid Carers."

Cairn said: "This is a good time to be picking up the baton.

“As an unpaid carer myself, I have seen the situation from the other side and what a difference Carers Support Eden can and has made.

"I am looking forward to the new role."
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