Care for the Carers asks East Sussex residents to make double the difference for local carers this Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday local charity Care for the Carers calls on East Sussex residents to support their matched giving Winter Warmer appeal and make the difference for local carers in poverty.
Giving Tuesday is a chance for us all to reflect on the difference we want to make in our communities, on a local, national and international scale. Care for the Carers is the leading organisation in East Sussex supporting people who look after someone who could not manage without their help.
They are appealing to East Sussex residents to support their match funded Winter Warmer appeal and help the 20,000 plus local carers who are living in poverty.
Sarah1 is a local carer who supports her mum who has dementia. Sarah’s role has increased over the years, meaning that she has had to cut back her working hours. “I hadn't realised how much I had been drawn into becoming 'more and more' of a support to her everyday needs and how much time was taken looking after her. It just crept up on me.”
Financial challenges make it difficult for her to pay for care for her mum, so she struggles to get a break. This has had a significant impact on her own health and wellbeing. Sarah is not alone: 94% of local carers who are struggling financially say they also feel isolated.
Care for the Carers’ Winter Warmer appeal provides simple and practical solutions to support local carers, by funding Winter Warmer workshops. As well as providing free energy saving resources, and support with funding and grants, they can provide a community of support for carers like Sarah. When she attended one of the workshops she met Corrine, who was also caring for her mother. They were able to talk about how challenging it was trying to make ends meet when you can’t work full time, and how tiring it was not just to be caring for someone but worrying about how you were going to cover the bills and keep the house warm over the winter.
Sarah says, “It is really helpful to know that you are not alone in this situation, because otherwise you can feel so isolated.”
How the public can help
Care for the Carers is calling on East Sussex residents to be the warmth behind the care this Winter and help fund these vital workshops.
By donating you will double your impact, with every donation up to £250 generously matched by Aviva Community Fund.
Jennifer Twist, Care for the Carers CEO says, “We know how challenging the winter months can be for local carers, particularly those who have had to reduce or give up work or rely on Carers Allowance or their pension each month. With rising energy costs, we see more carers unable to afford basic necessities. Through this appeal we want to reach as many of these carers as we can. Your support can help ensure local carers are able to stay warm and safe this winter.”
Donate Today
To support the Winter Warmer appeal, and have your donation matched visit https://avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/winterwarmer25
If you look after someone who could not manage without your help, and would like support with financial challenges then you can get in touch with Care for the Carers Carer Money Matters Project by emailing info@cftc.org.uk or tel. 01323 738390.
[1] Case study disclaimer: Sarah's story paints a picture of what many carers in East Sussex are experiencing, it has been based on a number of carers experiences and compiled to protect the identities of the carers who are in difficult circumstances and benefit from our service.
