Redbridge Carers Support Service

Who we are

Redbridge Carers Support Service (RCSS) was set up by a handful of local carers in 1994 to support and help carers in the borough and give them the recognition they deserve.  From very humble beginnings all those years ago Redbridge Carers Support Service has developed into one of the leading voluntary organisations in Redbridge.  RCSS is a Strategic Partner to Redbridge Council and was set up by carers for carers. It remains so today, with carers at the forefront of shaping our services and activities. Over the years we have successfully diversified our funding enabling us to expand our project work (see Services), reaching some of the most marginalised carers in the borough.

This work has not only been recognised but also highly rewarded. In 2011 we had a wonderful royal visit from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. HRH met staff, trustees and about sixty carers at our Ilford offices. 

Our culture and values

We continuously evaluate our work to make sure we are reaching the carers that need our support and that we are delivering services that matter to them.  We use the data we collect and the feedback from our carers to measure the impact of our support.  Here is the difference we made to carers and their families over the last 12 months:

• 320 new carers registered and supported
   
• Over 600 sessions of health and wellbeing activities delivered 
   
• More than 350 carers helped to access financial advice and welfare benefits 
   
• 500+ carers supported to access leisure and recreational activities in their local communities 
   
• 90 peer support and social groups held and attended by 150+ carers across Redbridge 
   
• 100 carers supported back into work, education, training and volunteering opportunities 
   
• 200 carers and their cared for helped to access respite and breaks 
   
• £2,110 raised in individual grants for carers 
   
• 86% of carers using our services reported feeling more socially included 
   
• 78% of carers using our services reported an increase in health and emotional wellbeing 
   
• 91% of carers report positive outcomes from using our services

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

RCSS is committed to ensuring equality and diversity throughout the organisation. The aim is to ensure that no individual or groups of individuals are disadvantaged because of their gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, ethnic origin, cultural background, religious beliefs, physical or mental disabilities, age, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy/maternity, social background/status, or other relevant consideration or characteristic.

Our commitment to equality extends equally to staff, volunteers, service users and professionals.  We strive to arrange our services in a flexible and accessible manner to meet the needs of all stakeholders. 

In terms of recruitment, to achieve equality of opportunity and diversity, the recruitment selection process is based solely on predefined selection criteria that relate directly to the requirements of the job. These requirements will be detailed in a Job Description and a Person Specification.   Consideration is given to every candidate that meets the specific requirements of the job.

Our commitment to equal opportunities is underpinned by a robust Equality, Diversity and Disability Policy.