Care for the Carers was delighted to be invited to run the Arlington Bluebell Walk for the first time on Monday 16th May. The charity supports anyone looking after a relative or friend in East Sussex.

The walk is only open for six weeks of the year, led by a different charity each day – with the proceeds going to a range of good causes.

The sun was out on Monday, and Care for the Carers’ team of  30 brilliant volunteers made it a wonderful day, stepping in as  ‘meeters and greeters’, café volunteers, kitchen assistants and an award winning chef cooking the food. The charity also benefited from the generosity of supporters who baked over 40 cakes for the event!

As well as running the walk, Care for the Carers held a social activity, enabling local carers to take a much needed break from their caring roles, enjoy the walk and have lunch together in the café.

“I was so pleased to be invited to join the Bluebell Walk organised by Care for the Carers. My husband and I used to go every year, but haven’t been able to in recent years. He has been diagnosed with dementia and as I don’t drive I have felt rather isolated. It was so lovely to be able to enjoy the peace of the woods and listen to the birdsong. The lunch was an added bonus, as was the opportunity to speak with others who were carers and the organisers too. The day gave light to a rather dark time for me. Well done to all involved.” Daphne Burton (a local carer)

John McCutchan, founder of the Bluebell Walk, said “I was very impressed in how well Care for the Carers organised their first day here…they had ample happy volunteers welcoming our visitors and offering them such delicious food.”

Care for the Carers CEO, Jennifer Twist, was in attendance on the day, “We were thrilled to be part of this special event for the first time this year. It was a wonderful day, the sunshine was out, all our volunteers were fantastic, the carers and general public who came along had a great time and the event raised vital awareness of unpaid carers. We are so grateful to everyone who volunteered, supported us and showed up on the day. Together we raised a wonderful £1,365 which will enable us to reach more carers who desperately need support -  thank you.”