A MALDON organisation which helps carers has been handed £74,679 to support more people.

Action for Family Carers was one of eight voluntary organisations to receive a share of £150,000 from the Healthwatch Essex fund.

The fund, managed by Essex Community Foundation, was established in March last year to support community organisations which provide information and advice on health and care services.

A charity spokesman said: “We are really pleased that Healthwatch has awarded Action for Family Carers £74, 697 to run a joint Reaching out carer service in partnership with Essex Carers Support to provide information guidance and support to more Essex Carers over the next 18 months.

“Some groups of carers are less likely to identify themselves as carers and this is a barrier to accessing support that others receive.

“This funding will enhance the work we are already doing with carers and will help us to make sure that members of minority groups and disadvantaged communities have equal access to our services.”

Healthwatch Essex provides an information service to help people access, understand, and navigate the health and social care system, as well as gathering people’s experiences to help improve local services.

Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive, said, “There is an increasing pressure on health and care services.

“We know that voluntary organisations are often the place that people turn to when they don’t know where else to get the help they need.

“This fund is providing financial support to organisations to help them expand their work and give local people greater knowledge about access to health and care services.”

Call Action for Family Carers on 0300 7708090.