The Carers’ Centre has launched their Christmas Campaign, ‘Who Cares’, which aims to raise awareness and vital funds to help support the 20,000 unpaid carers living across the area.
The campaign, using primarily social media channels, will use the hashtag #whocares to generate conversations about carers and ask them to share their stories.
“Christmas can be a really difficult time of year for carers,” said David Trumper, Carers’ Centre Acting Chief Executive.
“Many can’t easily leave their loved one on their own, so imagine how difficult even simple things like buying presents can be. And for young carers, the reality is stark.
“Over a quarter of young carers have had to wrap their own presents at Christmas as their parents are too ill or disabled to do so.”
Kelly, a young adult carer supported by the centre, had to cook her first Christmas dinner last year – on her own, without help, for her mother and sister who she helps care for.
“Just before Christmas last year, my mum fell ill and spent a month in hospital. It was difficult to see her so poorly. I struggled doing Christmas dinner on my own but I had somewhere to turn to – the Carers’ Centre supported me and sent me a Christmas hamper. It meant a lot having someone looking out for me.”
The campaign asks people to show they care too by giving just a small amount to ensure carers have a place to turn to when they need help and support.
Just £5 can help staff a telephone support line to give an essential listening ear when things get too much and £10 can give a young carer a few carefree hours away from their caring role.
To donate to the Carers’ Centre Christmas Appeal please text Bath05 £5 to 70070 or visit http://www.banescarerscentre.org.uk/help-us-fundraise
If you want to get involved by sharing your story or views about caring – be it yourself or someone you know – using the hashtag #whocares on social media or tweet @carerscentre1.
Or, if you look after someone and would like help, visit the Carers’ Centre website www.banescarerscentre.org.uk, or call 0800 0388 885 for support.
