Breaks and Bridges: Reducing Inequality for Lambeth's Carers
From "THINC Fund Large Projects (£25,000-£50,000)"
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Carers’ Hub is Lambeth’s dedicated carers charity, commissioned to support adult carers, young carers (5+) and young adult carers. We help people feel less isolated, more confident and better connected to the right help through peer groups, social and wellbeing activities, and one-to-one support. In 2024–25 our adult service supported 1,288 carers, delivered 64 peer groups with 476 attendances and 100 wellbeing activities with 600 attendances. Over the same period, 664 young and young adult carers engaged in 219 activities with 1,361 attendances.
We are requesting £50,000 to deliver a Brixton-based programme (January–December 2026) that directly improves mental health and wellbeing for unpaid carers. The project will:
1) Establish and run at least three new specialised peer support groups in Brixton (or neighbouring wards) for a 12-month period, targeting communities most at risk of isolation and poor health, such as Black male carers, carers of people with severe mental illness, and older carers living with or supporting someone with multiple long-term conditions. These groups will meet regularly, be facilitated by trained staff, and be co-designed with carers to ensure relevance and accessibility.
2) Provide a full year of structured wellbeing activities that offer meaningful breaks from caring. The programme will be shaped by carers themselves and could include Green Therapy sessions (gardening or nature walks in Brockwell Park and nearby spaces), yoga, mindfulness, or accessible physical exercise. Each activity will be designed to reduce stress and anxiety and give carers practical tools to sustain their wellbeing.
3 )Fund a part-time Outreach and Engagement Worker to identify and engage unregistered and isolated carers in the Brixton area, building links through community venues, faith spaces and GP practices. This role ensures the project reaches those most in need who may not currently access any support.
This work tackles both mental health and wellbeing and health inequalities by combining specialist peer connection, restorative activity, and proactive outreach. Carers consistently tell us our groups and activities help them feel less isolated, listened to and supported by peers. In 2024–25, 65% of participants reported feeling listened to, 63% felt supported by other carers and 63% felt less isolated. Many also report better confidence and reduced stress.
Funding will cover staff and sessional delivery, modest venue and materials costs, targeted outreach and light-touch evaluation. It will allow carers to access regular, trusted support close to home throughout 2026.
This project builds on our proven record of delivering trusted, high-quality support for carers across Brixton. Working with local partners and co-designing every element with carers themselves, we’ll create spaces in Brixton where people feel understood, supported and able to prioritise their own wellbeing. By expanding peer networks, reaching hidden carers, and offering restorative activities that genuinely improve day-to-day life, we will strengthen community connection and ensure Brixton’s carers feel seen, valued and well.