People looking after a family member or friend are to benefit from a £100,000 donation Barclays have made to Caring Together.
The donation through Barclays’ 100×100 Programme is part of its £100m COVID-19 Community Aid Package and will benefit hundreds of carers across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk.
It will enable some of the most vulnerable and isolated of carers to have:
- a break from their caring role
- someone to talk to, including via counselling
- help to access digital technology
- a financial contribution towards services or equipment to support their health.
A Carers UK national survey in April 2020 reported that 70% of carers were providing more care during the pandemic and 55% were worried they were going to burnout. Our research has shown 82% of carers felt more lonely/isolated and 79% were unable to take a break from caring.
Miriam Martin, chief executive of Caring Together, said, “People looking after a family member or friend have been hugely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential they are given support to help them in what can be hugely challenging circumstances.
“This donation will help us to support carers of all ages – it will make a real difference by reducing loneliness and isolation, and improving carers’ physical and mental health.
“The donation shows Barclays recognise the vital role of carers of all ages, the demands they have been facing through COVID-19, and the on-going need for them to be able to access the vital help they need.”
Nigel Higgins, Barclays Chairman, said, “Our 100×100 charity partners have been working tirelessly to support vulnerable communities across the UK through what has been a difficult year. These charities have championed a range of causes, including tackling homelessness, food poverty or loneliness, and we are immensely grateful for their work in the communities in which we live and work.
“It is evident that the effects of the pandemic will continue to be felt by many for some time to come. Our decision to extend our 100×100 Programme for a second time reflects this, allowing Barclays to support 250 UK grassroots charities in their crucial work in our local communities.”
We provide advice, information and support to carers across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk. If you or someone you know is looking after a family member or friend you can find out more by emailing [email protected] or calling 0345 241 0954
You can also contact us to find out how you can make a difference to carers.
