The Association of Carers is a Hastings-based charity that provides free, volunteer-led services to unpaid carers in Hastings and Rother (plus the wider East Sussex area). A carer is someone of any age who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This can be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. By providing free regular support to carers, the charity aims to promote carer wellbeing, support independence and reduce the sense of isolation that is felt by a lot of carers. Throughout the UK, unpaid carers save the economy £132 BILLION per year. It is estimated that there are nearly 25,000 unpaid carers in Hastings and Rother, though the figure is very possibly higher as many people do not recognise or register themselves as carers.