Celebrating 20 years of our charity…
12th September 2024
In October we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of our service supporting local carers. Here, our CEO, Sam Morris, reflects on why it’s such an exciting milestone in our history …
Twenty years ago the world looked very different – there was talk of a general election looming on the horizon, Manchester United won the FA Cup and children everywhere were loving watching Peppa Pig…okay, so maybe not all that different…
When the Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service was set up in 2004, we were adamant we wanted to change things for local carers for the better.
We wanted to ensure they had better information, were able to find the advice they needed in a timely manner, and were able to be surrounded by a network of supportive like-minded people who knew just how important their caring role was.
Most importantly, we wanted carers to know we saw them as individuals. As people with their own wants and needs and people who, as well as providing support to others, also needed support themselves.
As we approach our 20th anniversary, I’ve been reflecting on where we are as a charity now, and I’m proud to say that the overarching ethos and our values and aims have remained the same. Two decades later, local carers are still at the heart of every decision we make.
We’re not complacent and we always look for ways we can improve, with our carers helping us to shape and mould our organisation to ensure it remains relevant and fit for the future too.
It’s a challenging time for many – demand for our services continues to grow as carers navigate the cost-of-living crisis and an ever-changing health, social and political landscape.
Decisions made by key figures in London or even more locally can have a lasting impact on the real lives of people in our area and we want to make sure we can support them through the challenges they may face.
But, funding remains difficult and we are always keen to work alongside partners, other organisations or individuals who might be able to support our work. Whether that’s by donating to help fund elements of our work, or by helping us continue to grow our networks, we are always thrilled to hear from people who want to get involved in what we do.
We’re excited and optimistic about the future too. There are lots of ways we can continue to help carers in Blackburn with Darwen and to support local authorities, the NHS and social care providers to deliver cost-effective and efficient, but ambitious services too.
However our work develops in the coming months and years, we’re still a local organisation, founded by a desire to work at the heart of the local communities we serve. Despite 20 years going by, that remains at the centre of everything we do and always will.
We have some exciting plans ahead for our anniversary, and how you can get involved, so watch this space…
