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 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 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
Jen
I joined the VASL team in January 2023, following a career in Youth & Community Work and running a small tourism business. I am passionate about supporting people and look forward to being able to provide help and advice to those who support and care for others. I like to lend a listening ear and am committed to journeying through the ups and downs of caring with all those I will meet and speak to.
Jen runs our Coalville and Loughborough carers support groups and helps with social media.
Sarah
I was delighted to join the Support For Carers Team in January 2023, having previously worked in the voluntary sector for over four years. I also have a small woodworking business which I run alongside my partner. I have always been passionate about working with others to promote wellbeing and independence. I am excited to work more specifically with carers and for us to work together to overcome the challenges that can arise in a caring role.
