Carers Charter
26th February 2026
Carers play a vital role in supporting people in our communities.
A carer is considered to be anyone who spends time looking after or helping a family member, friend or neighbour who, because of their health and care needs, would find it difficult to cope without this help regardless of age or whether they identify as a carer.
There are approximately 175,000 unpaid carers in Lancashire and South Cumbria according to the 2021 Census, and Carers UK estimates the true number may be double that. Of these, approximately 63,000 people provide more than 50 hours of unpaid care a week. Carers improve the wellbeing of the people they care for and help reduce the demand on a range of local authority and NHS funded services. Together, they make up a vital part of our health and care system.
LSC Integrated Care Board :: Carers Charter
Counselling Service
26th February 2026
We are ready to launch our new counselling service, this is open to anyone and we can offer discounts to carers
Contact email address therapy@bwdcarers.org.uk, but queries can also come through the Carers Service office office@bwdcarers.org.uk
Counselling sessions are provided by qualified therapists with a wide range of experience and different ways of working as well as a choice of languages. We have kept the price as affordable as possible without compromising the therapist or undercutting other local services.
All face to face appointments will be at Kingsway.
The sessions are not time limited.
Find the right counsellor or therapist for you – Counselling Directory – Find a Counsellor Near You
Understanding Carers views and experiences of BwD’s Respite Offer
27th November 2025
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is looking to develop their respite/short break offer for Carers. This is because we want to support you and the loved one you care for, in the Best way possible.
If you receive respite support for the person you care for and you live in Blackburn with Darwen, then we really want to hear from you. Also, If you are Carer and Can’t access support currently but would like to in future, then we want to hear from you also!
Link to Survey: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=4z_73MnpOkKh2hSKSzouYDTIsHB_PERFjb-nhMzYfNFUQ0xJWTg2RkRXOEc3OFBaVlZSVjIwVFYwOS4u&route=shorturl
The Survey Closes: Monday 8th December 2025
Thankyou for sharing you’re experiences with us at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us:
Ben.Talbot@Blackburn.gov.uk
01254 267925
Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service Responds to Liz Sayce Review on Carer’s Allowance Overpayments
27th November 2025
Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service welcomes the publication of the independent review led by Liz Sayce into Carer’s Allowance overpayments. The review shines a light on the significant financial and emotional impact that historic overpayment policies have had on unpaid carers across the UK.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-carers-allowance-overpayments
For years, carers have faced unexpected debts—sometimes amounting to thousands of pounds—due to complex earnings rules and administrative delays. The review calls for urgent reform to ensure carers are treated fairly and supported in their vital role.
Become a Trustee
31st October 2025
At the Carers Service we are passionate about supporting those family carers of residents of Blackburn with Darwen
To help us in our mission we need those who are interested in the local community to help guide us
Could you be that person?
If this could be you please contact Sam Morris for more information – sam.morris@bwdcarers.org.uk or 01254 688440
Carers Forum
31st October 2025
Carers Forum on Thursday 6th November at 10.30am.
Please come along and help us shape and improve support and services for carers.
Come and have a voice.
And have a cup of tea and cakes of course! 
Act Now Age Better
10th September 2025
We are working on an awareness raising campaign aimed at those aged 50 or over including those living with long term conditions, which supports people to keep active or introduce activity to their lives to stay healthy so that they can keep enjoying everything they do now for longer.
The campaign which is being delivered across the country by Age UK’s is called Act Now Age Better – there is more information on the Age UK website here https://www.ageuk.org.uk/discover/2025/april/act-now/
Blackburn with Darwen Carers Forum Feedback Form
18th August 2025
Thinking about ALL the services you and your family member’s access in the borough
Evaluation Form
18th August 2025
Carers Service Activity & Trip Evaluation Form – https://forms.office.com/e/caDEcK2vSU
Annual Report 2025
13th June 2025
Annual Report 2025 – Online Flipbook
