For the third year running Hounslow Crossroads has been judged excellent by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI).

Hounslow Crossroads provides a free respite service to Carers looking after someone with a disability at home throughout the London Borough of Hounslow. The organisation is inspected by CSCI, a government body, to ensure that it meets the national minimum standards and provides services that meet the needs of the people who use them.

There are already 6.8 million carers in the UK and 1.2 million of them provide over 50 hours a week care. It is estimated that 3 in 5 people will become a carer at some point in their life as the number of carers is predicted to double in the next ten years and many carers need to remain in work.

In all areas inspected by CSCI, Hounslow Crossroads met all the required standards and exceeded the required standards in 12 areas. The CSCI report stated that the service continues to maintain a very high standard and all the feedback received from service users and staff had been very positive.

Carers spoke of the difference a few hours per week respite made to them, when they could shop, follow a pastime, or just rest. All Carers confirmed the reliability and consistency of Care Support Workers and expressed their confidence in the Care Support Workers to look after their loved ones.

This week, Gill Hutson, the Director of Hounslow Crossroads for thirteen years, is retiring. She leaves behind an organisation that is well respected throughout the Borough for delivering professional and high quality services. A new Director, Jenie Betteridge, has been appointed and started last week.

Hounslow Crossroads is always looking for new Trustees to support the excellent work it does. If you would like to support Carers in Hounslow and would be interested in joining the Board of Trustees at Hounslow Crossroads, call Jenie for more information on 020 8572 8834. All Trustees are subject to Criminal Records Bureau checks and would be required to attend an interview. Trustees who enjoy fundraising would be particularly welcome.

Hounslow Crossroads affiliates to the Crossroads Association, the leading charity providing practical support for Carers. There are nearly 200 Crossroads Scheme throughout England and Wales providing over 4.5 million care hours each year to 33,000 Carers.