What’s on your Christmas list this year? Sadly, many unpaid carers can only dream of luxury items like these as many struggle every day just to make ends meet.
The grants team at Carers Trust outlined that the top five most requested items they are asked to fund are some of the basic essentials:
– Washing machines
– Beds
– Transport, including driving lessons
– A break from caring
– Support in the home
Unfortunately, in 2017, the grants team was only able to fund or part-fund just over half (55%) of applications which meant that hundreds of grant applications have had to be turned down.
Giles Meyer, CEO of Carers Trust, said: “Many of the items unpaid carers applied to our grants team for were basic essentials. We hear from carers who desperately need a washing machine because the person they care for is doubly incontinent and they are washing soiled bed linen and clothing in the bath.
“Recently we heard from an older carer who is caring for her husband who has dementia and is sleeping on her grandchildren’s camp bed because she cannot afford to buy a new bed. Many parent carers living in rural areas request driving lessons as they are having to regularly make four-hour round trips to the supermarket for the family’s shopping or to pharmacies to collect prescriptions for the person they care for on infrequent and expensive public transport. Stories like these are, unfortunately, not uncommon. Our grants team assesses hundreds of applications from unpaid carers every year.
“While many people are thinking about what to buy their family and friends for Christmas, unpaid carers are worrying about when they will get a good night’s sleep or a break, even for an hour, from their caring role, not to mention how bills will be paid. That’s why it’s crucial they get as much support as possible.”
To donate £5 and make a difference to the lives of unpaid carers this Christmas, text CTRU17 to 70070.
