About Us

Carers in Hertfordshire was formed in 1995 by carers as a countywide charity and became a charitable company limited by guarantee in 2000.

We are associate members of Carers UK and a member of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations.

A Board of Trustees governs Carers in Hertfordshire. Our Articles of Association require that 50% of Trustees must be carers.

Aims

• To ensure all carers receive information, advice and support
• To enable carers to participate in service planning and decision making
• To be a platform for the voice of carers

Carers in Hertfordshire fulfils these aims through a mix of strategic work, development activity and direct service provision to carers.

Carers in Hertfordshire’s work is delivered by 47 staff and around 200 active volunteers within communities in Hertfordshire and from our base in the county town of Hertford and our Care Service office in Borehamwood.

Carers in Hertfordshire staff and volunteers work with and for carers, 1-1 and in groups.

We provide information, problem solving and support. We also arrange a variety of ways for carers to have a voice and influence service improvements.

We work closely and collaboratively with professional staff in a wide range of voluntary and statutory organisations to link our services and assist them to develop a carer friendly focus.

We manage specialist projects targeted to particular caring circumstances.

Carers in Hertfordshire is core funded by Hertfordshire County Council and the NHS in Hertfordshire (Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board) and receives additional support from donations and other charitable trust funds.

Mission statement – Vision for the future

Carers in Hertfordshire is concerned first and foremost to support the carer, whatever the caring circumstances or the condition of the person receiving care.

We aim to ensure that all carers in Hertfordshire are recognised and valued; are informed and supported in their caring role; have an opportunity for a life outside caring; can exercise a collective voice, and can be involved in consultation and planning to ensure high quality support services for themselves and the people they care for.

Our Values and Philosophy

To achieve the aspirations of our Mission Statement, Carers in Hertfordshire will:

• ensure carers are first and foremost in our activity
• acknowledge the expertise of carers
• respect carers’ choices, including the choice not to act in a carer role
• campaign effectively alongside carers to promote their rights, status and views
• support carers to speak for themselves
• provide quality information, advice and support
• develop effective services relevant to carers’ stated needs
• work with carers to promote their life choices, health and well being
• promote best practice in the planning, delivery and review of services relevant to carers
• raise the profile of carers’ contributions to our community in partnership with other organisations for the benefit of carers
• conduct business with openness and transparency; collaborate where we can and ensure we are sensitive to the environmental impact of our business.