More than 40 years of expertise are being combined as two charities working to support carers in the Bradford district join forces.

The Carers’ Resource and Crossroads Care Airedale and Bradford say the merger means costs and best practice can be shared.

The link-up has also meant that the Carers’ Resource base, in Park View Court, Shipley, has more than doubled in size after it moved into an empty neighbouring building, along with the team of 20 at Crossroads Care which was based in Windhill.

It is hoped the flagship office will provide a major focal point for carers across Bradford and Airedale needing access to a range of services and support.

The director of the Carers’ Resource, Anne Smyth, said the merger was a perfect example of the adage that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

“For many years we have worked closely with Crossroads Care Airedale and Bradford to support carers, and their cared-for, across the district,” she said. “The boards of both charities agreed it was a natural progression to pool our strengths in a more formal, and co-ordinated way.

“The merger has been a seamless one and, for those receiving a service from their Crossroads Care support worker, everything will remain the same.”

She said the skills and knowledge of the Crossroads Care team would add a valuable extra dimension to the services of the Carers’ Resource, which has been going for 18 years.

For more than 25 years Crossroads Care has provided direct practical support to carers of adults. It provides respite, giving carers time to improve their lives and take a break.

Pam Essler, a long-standing trustee of Crossroads Care Airedale and Bradford, said: “Pooling our expertise in this way ensures we can continue to deliver the highest quality care to people living across our community.

“We look forward to contributing to the future success of the new-look organisation and helping to cement its position at the forefront of excellence.