Funding boost from The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund to support unpaid carers facing domestic abuse
Published 22 April 2025
We are delighted to share that Making Space has been awarded a £3,000 grant from The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund, making us one of five charities to receive funding in the latest round of awards. The Community Fund is managed by the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation and supports organisations that improve care, housing access, and safety for people across the region.
This generous grant will directly support unpaid carers in Cambridgeshire who are experiencing domestic abuse, helping cover emergency accommodation and transport costs. Up to 50 individuals will benefit from this vital crisis intervention support.
David McGregor, Service Manager for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Carers Service, explains why this funding is so crucial:
“Domestic abuse among unpaid carers is a complex and sensitive issue. Many carers are reluctant to disclose what’s happening due to feelings of guilt, especially when the abuse may be linked to an illness such as dementia or the side effects of medication. They often worry that professionals or family members will think they’re not coping, or that speaking up could lead to their loved one getting into trouble, being moved into a care home, or assigned professional carers.
“Unpaid carers can experience a range of abuse from the person they care for, from physical harm like hitting or biting, to emotional and controlling behaviours such as threats of self-harm, refusing to let them have time away from the home to spend time with family and friends, or coercive financial threats like being cut out of a will.
“We want carers to know they are not alone. We’re here to listen without judgment and offer both practical and emotional support. The grant from The Cambridge Building Society will help us provide crisis support to ensure carers are safe, while also allowing us to deliver training and raise awareness around the often-hidden issue of domestic abuse in caring relationships.”
As a bonus to this partnership, we’re thrilled to be welcoming four volunteers from The Cambridge Building Society team to support our Summer Picnic event on 3 July 2025, at St Laurence’s Catholic Church in Cambridge. Their hands-on help will make a real difference for carers and their families attending.
Louise Harper, People Manager at The Cambridge and Community Fund Panellist, said:
“These five charities are doing extraordinary work that touches the lives of so many in our community. From helping survivors of domestic abuse build new homes, to preventing homelessness through practical advice and emotional support, this funding is about giving people a real chance at stability, dignity, and a fresh start. We're proud to play a part in that journey.”
On behalf of everyone at Making Space - and the unpaid carers we support - thank you to The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund for helping us to keep people safe when they need it most.
Find out more about Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Carer Support here.
The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund accepts applications, twice yearly, from local charities and community organisations. Find out more here.