LOCAL carer organisation, VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian), is asking the people of Edinburgh to show their support for the vital work of unpaid carers, by taking up a seven-day sponsored personal challenge during national Carers’ Week from 12-18 June 2017.
The Carers’ Week Challenge can be big or small – from reaching your daily steps goal, to eating your five-a-day, walking to work, taking up a new hobby, or singing in the shower every morning.
It’s your choice and the possibilities are endless – it could be something you’ve been thinking of for a while and just needed some extra motivation to achieve!
This is a sponsored event; however, there is no minimum sponsorship required. All proceeds will go directly to VOCAL carer support services which include counselling, individual and peer support, welfare advice and short breaks for unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian.
VOCAL fundraising officer, Francesca Greaves, is taking part and has pledged to give up her much-loved chocolate.
She said: “I am looking forward to raising awareness of unpaid carers by taking on my week-long challenge. I have a big ‘sweet tooth’ so this will be a tough seven days!”
“Every day can be a challenge for unpaid carers. VOCAL is here to support carers in their caring role.
“We are inviting the public to join us by taking on their own personal challenge during Carers Week to raise awareness and vital funds for VOCAL carer support services”.
It is estimated that around 788,000 people are caring for a relative, friend or neighbour in Scotland. Many are unaware of the support available to them or don’t see themselves as a ‘carer’.
As a result, they are missing out on services and support which they are entitled to, which can impact their own physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Carers Week is an annual campaign which aims to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
To take part in VOCAL’s Carers’ Week Challenge and make a change for carers, register online at: www.vocal.org.uk/carersweek2017 or contact Francesca Greaves at fundraising@vocal.org.uk or 0131 622 6666.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
For further information please contact:
Francesca Greaves (fundraising/partnership development officer)
- fundraising@vocal.org.uk
- 0131 662 6666
Helen Gestwicki (communications officer)
- hgestwicki@vocal.org.uk
- 0131 622 6666
About Carers’ Week 2017: Carers Week 2017 takes place from 12-18 June. It is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
About carers: Carers are people who, without payment, provide help and support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour who would not be able to live independently without support due to frailty, illness, addiction or disability.
About VOCAL: VOCAL – Voice of Carers Across Lothian – is a carer-led charity providing support to unpaid carers from two carer centres in Edinburgh and Midlothian and through carer support workers based in the local community. See our website for more information: www.vocal.org.uk.
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VOCAL contact details…
Contact: Helen Gestwicki
Phone: 01316226666
Email: hgestwicki@vocal.org.uk
Website: https://www.vocal.org.uk/carersweek2017
