Unpaid carers facing ‘extreme challenges’ in coronavirus pandemic to get £10k Loteri Cymru donation

Wales’ 370,00 unpaid carers, who are facing “extreme challenges” through the coronavirus pandemic are set to get a £10,000 boost thanks to Loteri Cymru.

Carers Trust Wales, which provides support, services, and recognition for those caring for family and friends, will receive the donation from the all-Wales lottery this month.

Loteri Cymru, which creates winners across Wales and raises vital funds for Welsh charities, chose to support Carers Trust Wales after hearing of the difficulties carers across Wales are facing.

With lockdown forcing millions of people into isolation, the charity is predicting a dramatic 25% drop in its income. This income deficit, coupled with the fact that thousands of carers across Wales are struggling to cope as a result of a reduction of the services they depend on, difficulty accessing essential foods and medicines and not being able to get any break or respite from caring, means Loteri Cymru has made an unprecedented donation.

Loteri Cymru, which is operated by Sterling Lotteries, was created to support Welsh charities and causes close to the hearts of the people of Wales.

This year it is supporting LATCH – the Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity, Welsh Hearts, The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales and Youth Cymru.

Alongside raising vital funds for charities in Wales with 100% of all profits distributed, lottery players have the chance of scooping the £25,000 weekly jackpot cash prize.

Phil Gerrish, marketing manager for Loteri Cymru, said it was a pleasure to support charities such as Carers Trust Wales, and this unprecedented donation reflected the “life-changing” work the charity undertakes.

He said: “Carers Trust Wales is an invaluable lifeline for thousands of unpaid carers across Wales every year, as such we felt it was imperative that they received a significant donation to aid them at this particularly challenging time.

“Without their support unsung heroes supporting family, friends, and loved ones would not have a voice, would lack financial aid, guidance, and would go unrecognised for the selfless care they provide.

“Lockdown has proved to be difficult for many of us, however for carers who are regularly stressed and emotionally drained, they will be feeling even more under pressure as a result of the current pandemic. As such, we felt it was more vital than ever to donate funds to this extremely worthwhile cause.”

Through their Network Partners, local charities that provide direct services to unpaid carers , Carers Trust Wales supports up to 36,000 carers a year from the ages of 5 to over 100, assisting those with dementia, addiction, ill health, and mental health issues. It provides practical support, advice, engages with Government and educational establishments, and campaigns for carers’ rights.

In order to support unpaid carers in Wales during the coronavirus pandemic, Carers Trust has established an Emergency Fund, which will provide essential grants to cover the costs of vital food, travel and repair costs.

Simon Hatch, Director of Wales at Carers Trust Wales, said that “extremely generous” donations such as this were crucial to enable it to continue helping under-pressure carers.

He said: “We are delighted to be supported by Loteri Cymru. Their generous donation will help us to continue to support unpaid carers across Wales in a variety of ways including through our recently launched Emergency Fund.

“The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on unpaid carers and the support services that they rely on. Carers are increasingly reporting that they are struggling to cope with the growing physical, emotional and financial pressures of caring. This donation will directly make a huge difference for unpaid carers and it will help us to continue to work nationally to create a better landscape for carers of all ages.”

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