Meet the SFC team
We thought you'd like to meet the people behind the Support for Carers service, including our telephone advice line. As you'll see, our team are very experienced when it comes to supporting carers.
Kerry, Carers Services Manager
I have been working for the voluntary sector for over 20 years, developing and implementing new services across Leicestershire. During this time, I have supported carers and gained a vast knowledge of the difficulties and challenges carers face. It's crucial that our carers are supported in every which way, in order to carry out their caring role. I enjoy my role as Support for Carers Service Manager and have a fantastic team to work with.
The Carers Wellbeing Team comprises:
Gurjit
I have worked in the voluntary sector for many years having been previously involved in community development work in my last role at Oadby & Wigston Community Action. I enjoy working with carers and being able to support them through the many challenges a caring role can bring. I understand the importance of ensuring the carers are well supported to enable them to continue in their caring role.
Gurjit runs our Oadby & Wigston and Blaby district carers support groups
Hannah
I started my career at VASL in 2012 as our Young Carers Manager, following careers in the NHS and teaching. In 2019 I decided to concentrate on adult carers. My favourite part of my job is talking to carers one-to-one and really getting into the nitty-gritty of how they're impacted by their caring role. Sometimes we are the only people carers feel they can be completely truthful with. It is vital that carers feel listened to and have someone to talk to who is on their side.
Hannah runs the Melton district carers support group and leads on our social media
Elaine
I feel very lucky to be working as part of the Support For Carers Team. I joined in December 2019, have been made to feel so welcome and am absolutely loving it! No two days are ever the same. It’s amazing to hear what our carers are going through and so uplifting to know that they feel supported by us and less alone. Whether they are looking for advice, support or just someone to chat to, it’s a real privilege.
Elaine runs our Harborough district carers support group, sends out our newsletters and generally keeps techy things ticking over smoothly
Liz
I started work in the VASL Transport Team in 2020 and have since moved across to join Support for Carers as the Telephone Befriending Coordinator; VASL is an incredibly warm and welcoming place to work. Previously I worked for the Home Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office for over 15 years before moving with my family to Leicestershire. I am delighted to coordinate the telephone befriending scheme for carers as I know how the often isolating nature of caring can take a toll on individuals and their families and the difference that a regular call from one of our volunteers can make.
Liz is our Telephone Befriending Co-Ordinator
Abie
I began working as VASL’s Carer Dementia Guardian Officer in January 2024, having previously worked in educational settings. I have been made to feel welcome by the experienced VASL team, who have helped me settle in to my new role.
The vital role unpaid carers perform can be overlooked. I have the privilege of coordinating a team of dedicated volunteers that provide companionship, emotional support, offer informed advice and practical support to carers of loves ones with dementia. Our aim is to ensure individuals have a life beyond their caring role.
Abie runs our Dementia Guardians sub-project.
Wendy
Having joined SFC in August 2023, in October 2023 I was given the opportunity to take on the challenge of becoming VASLs first qualified Energy Advisor for Carers. This is a brand-new service that offers carers help, advice and support for any Energy query they may have from heat loss reduction in the home, reducing energy costs or how better to insulate the home.
I feel very privileged to be part of a team whose focus is the health and wellbeing of everyone their come in contact with.
Wendy is our Energy Advisor.
Holly
After finishing university in July 2022 and getting my social work degree I wanted something different, where I could give my all to people. I joined VASL as hospital discharge grant officer in October 2023.
I feel truly privileged to be part of a team so passionate about the well-being of carers. I get to talk to carers everyday going through some of the most distressing times of their lives. I like to tell every single carer I come across you are doing your best and that’s all you can do. I can offer financial support to these carers who’s loved one has recently been discharged from hospital as well as a listening ear. Often relieving financial pressure due to unexpected costs from a hospital discharge helps relieve other aspects of their caring role. I love being able to give such a personal approach to every phone call.
Holly is our Hospital Discharge Grants Officer