Uncategorized | Carer Support Wiltshire

Malmesbury Mayor Charity Appeal Raises Funds for Carers

September 1, 2016 by Jules Stanbridge Leave a Comment

A cheque for £2,745 was handed to Carer Support Wiltshire as the ex-mayor of Malmesbury’s charity appeal came to an end. Malmesbury Mayor COTY cheque presentation

Ex-mayor John Gundry and ex-mayoress Jacqueline Tong presented the cheque to Catharine Hurford from Carer Support Wiltshire with most of the money raised at the Mayor’s charity blues night in March and the Mayor’s charity cabaret in April.

Cllr Gundry said: “We chose Carer Support Wiltshire because changes in demographics and government policy mean that more and more people - of all ages - are finding themselves caring for relatives. That is often a new and demanding responsibility and Carer Support Wiltshire provides personal help and support to a wide range of unpaid carers.”

“I am very grateful to all who helped with the fundraising or contributed to the appeal,” Cllr Gundry added. He is pictured with Catharine Hurford, ex-mayoress Jacqueline Tong and Claire Mann from Malmesbury Town Council

Thank you to everyone involved in raising this phenomenal amount.

Carer Support Wiltshire relies on the generosity of people to help them fund the projects that make a difference to carers. If you are interested in making us your Charity of the Year we would love to hear from you.

Lack of support in the workplace limits opportunities for unpaid carers

July 12, 2016 by Jules Stanbridge Leave a Comment

Working for Carers is urging Wiltshire employers to recognise the needs of their changing workforce and support unpaid carers.

New research launched for the recent national Carers Week found that where employers don’t have policies in place to support carers, seven in ten (72%) have given up work/reduced hours to care. 28% of carers reported not pursuing or turning down a promotion in order to be able to care. Findings also revealed a lack of understanding about their caring role has a negative effect on the health, wellbeing, relationships and finances.

Lizzie Rapley, from Working For Carers said:

“Nearly 1 in 9 employees combines caring for a loved one with a paid job, and that number is set to rise. In 2012 the Office for National Statistic predicted that, by 2022 there will be 700,000 fewer people aged 16-49, but 3.7 million more people aged 50-State Pension age - many of them will be carers. We’d like to see workplaces putting polices in place now and doing all they can to support and understand carers needs.”

Launched in July last year, Working For Carers was developed by local charity, Carer Support Wiltshire to help and encourage companies throughout the region to create a carer-friendly workplace and prepare for the needs of a changing workforce demographic.

One of several businesses to join this growing movement is John Williams Heating Services of Chippenham. Debbie Williams, co-owner of the business, said:

“John Williams Heating Services are proud to support Carer Support Wiltshire. We are firm believers in supporting our employees in all aspects of their lives.”

Other recent joiners include Swindon accountancy firm Banks BHG, Wiltshire recruitment agency 24/7 Staffing, regional care providers Mears Group and Somerset Care, and Bath ASU.

MP Michelle Walks a Mile for Carers

June 13, 2016 by Jules Stanbridge Leave a Comment

Carers, local businesses, GP surgeries and Chippenham MP, Michelle Donelan were amongst the walkers at Carer Support Wiltshire’s, Walk a Mile in My Shoes sponsored walk at the weekend. The event was raising awareness and support for unpaid carers in Wiltshire during national Carers Week.

Walkers were encourage to swap shoes with someone or pimp up their own and Walk A Mile to show their support for those who look after a family member or friend, and to recognize the many challenges they face.

Michelle, who raised the subject of carers in Wiltshire and the work of Carer Support Wiltshire to support them in the House of Commons last week walked the mile in wacky wellies.

Catharine Hurford, CEO of Carer Support Wiltshire praised all those involved including event sponsors, Corsham Print, Novum Law, Home Instead Senior Care, Saversnake View, John Williams Heating, Wiltshire Electrics and Mears Group.

“The sun shone and there was a great community feel to the event. It was fantastic to see young and old come together to raise the profile of carers and fundraise for Carer Support Wiltshire. Huge thanks to everyone involved including our sponsors for making the day so memorable.”

Parent carer, Diane Tiley was one of the many carers who turned up wearing colourful footwear. She walked the mile with her son Dominic (pictured)

“Carer Support Wiltshire supports us and we wanted to show our support for them today. We had a lovely time.”

The walk took place in John Coles Park, Chippenham as part of the Chippenham Family Fun Day event on Sunday 12^th June.