GET INVOLVED

Community Connections

Our Community Connections Appeal is reaching out and linking lives

Let’s all reach out and raise the £25,000 needed to break the cycle of loneliness

Have you ever felt lonely? If the answer is yes, you know how low it can make you feel. A report from Jo Cox Commission for Loneliness and Carers UK shows more than 8 in 10 (81%) surveyed unpaid carers described themselves as “lonely or socially isolated” due to their caring responsibilities.

More opportunities for breaks and social activities as well as a greater understanding from friends, colleagues, and the public, are all needed to combat the ‘silent epidemic’ of loneliness affecting those looking after loved ones.

Danielle’s story

Danielle has been a carer from a young age. She was a carer for her brother who sadly died of cancer and now looks after her mum who suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Mum is wheelchair bound and has to have an oxygen tank with her at all times. When Danielle was 22 her father left the family home and Danielle had to give up work to be her mum’s main carer.

Unable to work and with limited opportunities to see friends, or go out socially, Danielle knows first-hand how lonely caring for a loved one can be. The stress of coping on her own eventually took its toll and led Danielle to crisis point, but she continued caring for her mum. Now, thanks to the Young Adult Carer Team here at CSW, Danielle is learning that it’s ok to reach out for support and put herself first sometimes.

Danielle has put her own life and ambitions on hold to care for her mum. There are thousands like her who don’t get the support they need and suffer alone, feeling isolated and unable to reach out.

We want to provide the breaks carers need to spend time with family and friends – to enjoy hobbies and activities in their communities – to feel part of other people’s lives. But we can only do it with your help. Help us to give carers like Danielle a break.

You can make a donation

The easiest way to make a donation is to do it online. Click here to find out more.

You can fundraise:

• Reach out to neighbours, work colleagues and friends with a Break for Brunch.
• Take on a sponsored silence at work
• Host a fundraising Cakes for Carers bake sale

You can make us your charity of the year

• If you are a community group you could support our appeal with bake sales, an auction of promises or quiz nights
• If you are a company your employees could take on a range of team building sponsored activities or challenges.

Whatever you do, small acts of kindness can make a big difference

• £20 pays for a 1:1 counselling session for a carer who is isolated and needs support
• £50 could give a carer a much needed afternoon off to spend with friends or family
• £210 would give a carer a weekend off - something many carers haven’t had for years.

You can reach out and say hello to our friendly fundraising team by emailing [email protected]