A CASH-STRAPPED charity providing support and advice to unpaid carers in Southend is set to close after almost 25 years.

Southend Carers has announced it will shut on Tuesday as “financial difficulties” have made it “impossible” for the organisation to continue.

Those who use the service can still access support where it is needed through other groups, according to Southend Council.

The charity’s mission was always to “offer assistance, hope, and a sense of community” to unpaid carers. Tricia Cowdrey, former Shoebury councillor, expressed how the charity gave her vital support when caring for her dad.

She said: “Southend Carers were the only organisation who were able to support me as a carer for my 98-year-old father during Covid. This was a time when I felt so isolated and concerned about his wellbeing.

“Some of the support they offered gave me great peace of mind as a carer and I can’t thank them enough. They were a lifeline and provided essential advice, information, and guidance to me as a carer to help me and make sure my father was safe and well cared for.

“I’m sad but also angry we’re losing yet another local voluntary organisation providing local support to local people when they need it.”

Numerous attempts to gain the additional funding needed to continue were unsuccessful in securing extra cash.

In a statement, Daryl King, board of trustees chairman at the charity, said: “Despite our unwavering dedication and efforts to serve unpaid carers in our community, severe and ongoing financial challenges have made it impossible to continue our operations.

“This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the significant impact this will have on the individuals and families who rely on us. We understand 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.

“While this chapter is coming to an end, we hope the spirit of Southend Carers will continue to live on through the countless lives we have touched.”

Maxine Sadza, councillor responsible for social care and healthier communities, said: “ Teams across our adults and communities area are working with local carers organisations to ensure any carers affected by this can access support and signposting where needed.”