Malmesbury League of Friends (MLOF) has donated £1,500 to Carer Support Wiltshire’s Here to Talk programme, whose aim is to ensure the army of unpaid carers in the county receive the support they need.
Carer Support Wiltshire (CSW) offers advice and support to over 11,000 unpaid carers in Wiltshire. Anyone who cares for someone, and not necessarily a relative, who could not otherwise live independently, is a carer.
Its services to this huge number of volunteer carers include helping them to access key services, information, education, training and respite support.
A recent report, Caring behind Closed Doors, found that over half of all carers – 55% – feel overwhelmed and worried. CSW supports carers who are unable to access community-based activities and groups through one-to-one telephone befriending calls.
MLOF chairman David Hide said: “Being a carer can often be a lonely existence. But the huge number in Wiltshire alone shows how vital is their commitment, which also saves the taxpayer a fortune. We were very pleased to make a small donation towards their programme.”
CSW’s Head of Fundraising and Engagement, Anna Sibbald, said: “This generous donation will help us to continue running our Here to Talk service for carers; paying to train the volunteers who provide regular calls to the carers they support, and helping us to reach the people who would benefit from our services.
“Many carers can find themselves feeling isolated – they may be physically isolated if unable to leave the person they care for alone or feel isolated from friends and family due to their situation. Having someone to talk to can be hugely helpful.
“Most of our volunteers are carers or former carers themselves so they have understanding of what it’s like to care for someone, but they will listen and talk about anything – many carers just want a well-earned break and spend their 20-30 minute phone call talking about hobbies or what they’ve watched on TV. Just having someone there, for them, can make all the difference.”
Find out more about Here to Talk.
If you are interested in being a Here to Talk volunteer, find out more about volunteering here.
