Northern Rock Foundation is Caring for Carers in Cumbria
Two Cumbrian companies can carry on caring thanks to grants from Northern Rock Foundation.
As part of its latest round of grant handouts, the Foundation has awarded more than £120,000 to carer support organisations Eden Carers and Cumbria Crossroads.
Last year Eden Carers supported 592 adult and 77 young carers in the Eden district of Cumbria.
Now, the Foundation has awarded the group £58,254 over three years to help it recruit 50 volunteers who will support around 400 carers in the more rural isolated parts of the district.
Cilla Clarke, Eden Carers’ chief executive, said: “Eden is a large, rural area that presents many challenges, not least of which are identifying and supporting all those extraordinary people who care for a relative or friend.
“Our grant from Northern Rock Foundation will support the expansion of our service to recruit and develop a volunteer service within remote rural communities to champion the recognition of unpaid carers and to provide on-going support to complement the Eden Carers team.”
A second grant of £63,687 over three years will allow Cumbria Crossroads to extend its respite service into Allerdale and Copeland.
Carers have to cope with their caring responsibilities while juggling work and family commitments and many neglect their own mental and physical health to carry out this demanding role.
Cumbria Crossroads provides carers with a much-needed break, enabling them to have some time for themselves so they can catch up with housework, go shopping, or simply catch up on sleep.
Stewart McKegg, from Cumbria Crossroads, said: “We have identified West Cumbria as an area that is in desperate need of support.
“The grant from Northern Rock Foundation will enable us to establish a base in West Cumbria and provide respite care for carers much more quickly than originally anticipated. This grant will make a real difference and change people’s lives.”
Penny Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Northern Rock Foundation, said: “Carers are the unsung heroes and heroines of society. They very often put their own lives on hold to care for sick or elderly friends and relatives.
“They need support and we are delighted to be able to help provide it.”