Supporting carers through the cost of living crisis

Our fundraising team has been working to provide essential aid to those in desperate need.

We have successfully distributed an impressive £80,000 worth of additional support to our carer services. The funds have been channelled towards crucial provisions such as food vouchers, essential household items, bedding and financial assistance to offset high energy bills. By extending a helping hand, we aim to ease the immense strain that many unpaid carers endure daily.

In Barnsley, we secured funding from the Barnsley Council Household Support Grant. This financial support has facilitated the distribution of over 200 food vouchers to local unpaid carers. The grant has enabled the establishment of an emergency household items fund and helped with payments toward the recipients' household energy bills.

We conducted a national survey of carers last autumn and found that:

• 95% of carers experienced a noticeable increase in their food expenses
• 88% faced a similar surge in gas and electricity bills
• 43% of carers relied on specialist equipment that required electricity for either themselves or the individuals they care for

These staggering statistics highlight the urgent need for sustained assistance.

Recognising the unique challenges faced by carers, Natalie Bargery, our Fundraising Coordinator, emphasized the many hardships: "Unpaid carers are hit hard by the cost of living crisis as they often care for someone with a long term health condition or disability, who may spend more time at home. They may have specialist medical equipment in their homes that uses more electricity.

“The survey showed us that nine out of ten carers reduced their heating, with some going without heating at all. Three-quarters cut back on white goods and more than half are cutting down on food. Half are borrowing money, using credit cards or loans and many are using food banks."

In Calderdale we have secured funding from the Calderdale Council Household Support Fund in partnership with the Community Foundation for Calderdale. This collaboration has allowed the distribution of substantial funds in the form of food vouchers to local unpaid carers.

Additionally, the grant has established a household essential items fund and contributed to covering energy bills of carers we support.

Lydia Woodall, Team Leader in Calderdale, recognises the challenging circumstances faced by many unpaid carers in the region, she said: "Carers have cut back spending on energy, food, clothing and all kinds of things. Many carers will make sacrifices themselves in order to provide more for the loved one that they are caring for. Fortunately, our Carer Support Workers are on hand to help them with practical advice as well as emotional support, but we still need help."

Sharing her experience, one carer revealed her growing concern: "I'm getting more and more scared that if this carries on much longer we won't be able to cope. My very small savings are depleted now, so I have nothing to fall back on, and if anything breaks down, it's basically going to be tough."

Bob Towers, Fundraising Manager, emphasised the pressing nature of the crisis, stating: “The cost of living crisis is not over. It is still a huge factor in the lives of many vulnerable people including unpaid carers and those with care needs. The cost-of-living crisis is affecting us all and our mental health, many people can’t see a way out of their financial worries. We can make a real difference by helping those in need directly but we need help’.

You can help us continue with this work, to donate £5, text CARE to 70970 or to donate £10, text CARE to 70191. Alternately, you can donate online here.