A charity that has been supporting carers for almost 25 years is ceasing operating from today (30 July) due to “severe and ongoing financial challenges”.

A statement posted by Southend Carers’ chair Daryl King to the charity’s supporters and beneficiaries, said “this decision was not made lightly”.

“We understand that this news will be difficult for you to hear, and we want to assure you that we have exhausted all possible options to avoid this outcome,” he added.

The charity has been working with local organisations and partners to ensure a “smooth transition for anyone currently using our services”, he said. This includes ensuring information and help finding alternative support services is available.

Despite ceasing operations and closing its offices from today it will keep its website and social media up to date with information on support.

According to the charities register Southend Carers total income for the year ending March 2023 was £79,242, while its spending exceeded £224,000.

It had three trustees and was operated by 16 volunteers, no staff members were listed.

King said: “We would like to extend our gratitude to all our supporters, volunteers, and partners who have been part of our journey.

“Your dedication, generosity, and belief in our mission have been invaluable.

“And importantly, we’d also like to express our heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff we have been so lucky to have had working with us, some for many years.

“Their enthusiasm, dedication, creativity and innovation have allowed us to deliver significant and important pieces of work that have made a positive difference to the lives of unpaid carers in our community.”

Southend Carers is the latest carers charity to announce it is to close due to financial challenges this year.

In March Pontypool, Wales based Care Collective announced its closure after three decades, resulting in 87 redundancies.

National charity the Carers Trust warned earlier this year that financial uncertainty around the cost-of-living crisis, as well as local government cuts, are “causing huge problems” for small carer charities.

This warning was issued after West Norfolk Carers revealed it was to close following the loss of funding from Norfolk County Council.

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