Caring for a family member or friend in Canterbury is a vital role, but it can be challenging to balance caring responsibilities with your own wellbeing. If you're an unpaid carer in Canterbury or the surrounding areas, support is available.
Carer Support Across Canterbury and East Kent
Crossroads Care Kent provides comprehensive support services for carers throughout Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable, Sturry, Chartham, and the wider East Kent area. Whether you need respite breaks, emotional support, or practical help, we're here for you.
What Support is Available?
Respite Care and Short Breaks
Our respite service gives carers in Canterbury regular planned breaks from caring responsibilities. Trained care workers provide companionship and personal care in your loved one's home, allowing you to:
- Take time for yourself without worry
- Attend appointments or work commitments
- Maintain social connections and hobbies
- Rest and recharge emotionally and physically
Respite can be arranged weekly, fortnightly, or at a frequency that works for your family.
Carers Counselling
Caring can be emotionally challenging. Our professional counselling service provides a safe, confidential space for carers to talk about the emotional impact of caring, stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or bereavement. Counselling is free and delivered by qualified counsellors who understand the unique pressures carers face.
Young Carers Support
Children and young people aged 5-18 who care for family members need specific support. Our Young Carers service in Canterbury provides:
- Respite activities and trips
- Emotional support and someone to talk to
- School liaison to ensure caring doesn't impact education
- Social opportunities to meet other young carers
- Information about rights and support available
Volunteer Support
Our volunteer service connects carers with trained volunteers who can provide:
- Companionship visits for your loved one
- Practical help with shopping, errands, or light tasks
- Transport to healthcare appointments
- Regular respite so you can take breaks
Volunteer support is free and offers flexible help tailored to your needs.
Who Can Access Carer Support?
Support is available to any carer in Canterbury and the surrounding areas who:
- Provides unpaid care to a family member, friend, or neighbour
- Cares for someone with physical disabilities, dementia, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, or age-related needs
- Needs respite, emotional support, or practical help
- Is struggling to balance caring with other responsibilities
You don't need to be receiving formal benefits or have a carer's assessment to access our support.
Coverage Across Canterbury District
We support carers throughout the Canterbury district, including:
- Canterbury and surrounding villages
- Herne Bay and Beltinge
- Whitstable and Seasalter
- Sturry and Fordwich
- Chartham, Chilham, and Bridge
- Littlebourne and Wickhambreaux
- Blean and Tyler Hill
How Carer Support Helps
Access to the right support helps carers:
- Prevent burnout and maintain their own physical and mental health
- Continue caring for longer by getting regular breaks and emotional support
- Balance caring with work, family, and personal commitments
- Access information about benefits, services, and local resources
- Connect with others who understand the challenges of caring
- Feel valued and recognised for their vital role
Many carers tell us that knowing support is available makes all the difference.
How to Access Support in Canterbury
Getting support is straightforward:
- Contact us on 0345 095 6701 or email enquiries@crossroadskent.org
- Tell us about your situation – we'll listen and understand what you need
- Discuss options – we'll explain what services are available and suitable
- Arrange support – we'll set up the services that will help you most
- Ongoing support – regular reviews to ensure support continues to meet your changing needs
Emergency and Urgent Support
When unexpected situations arise, our Urgent Care service provides rapid response support to prevent carer breakdown and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. Available day and night when you need it most.
Additional Resources
Beyond direct support services, we can help you access:
- Carer benefits and financial support
- Local support groups and networks
- Training on specific conditions or caring skills
- Assistive technology and equipment
- Legal advice and future planning
Get Support Today
If you're caring for someone in Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable, or anywhere across East Kent, you don't have to do it alone.
Contact Crossroads Care Kent: Phone: 0345 095 6701 Email: enquiries@crossroadskent.org
We've been supporting carers across Kent for decades. Let us support you.