More carers to access vital support thanks to Henry Smith Charity funding
17th October 2024
With the number of unpaid carers in Blackburn with Darwen continuing to grow, we’re celebrating a funding award which will mean more people locally can access vital support.
Our charity, which has been working alongside carers in the area for more than two decades, has been awarded £160,500 in funding over three years from The Henry Smith Charity to help improve the lives of local people.
Sam Morris, our CEO, said: “It’s amazing to have received such generous funding from The Henry Smith Charity to support our work and we estimate that it will help us to support between three and four thousand more people in Blackburn with Darwen.
“There are so many unpaid carers playing an extraordinary role in our community, and most are unsung heroes. They go above and beyond, working many hours a day to support their loved one and for many this can be quite an isolating experience.
“We’re proud to work alongside so many amazing people to help them to arm themselves with the knowledge they need – whether financial, training, or via health and wellbeing work, there are so many ways that carers in our area require specialist support.
“This funding will mean that more carers can build connections and it will really help nurture positive, support networks.
“Many feed back to us that their confidence has dropped since becoming a carer and that they feel alone or unsure of where to turn for help to assist both them and the person they care for.
“This income will mean we’re able to really enhance our services to ensure we’re there for as many people as possible that need us – both in the short term if they are experiencing crisis, but also for the long-term too.”
Our charity provides a range of specialist support services and activities for those who provide unpaid care to a friend, family member or loved one.
Services are personalised to the individual to ensure they are empowered with the information, skills and support needed to help them thrive both in their role as a carer, and as an individual with their own wishes and needs too.
The funding from The Henry Smith Charity will also help increase financial literacy and confidence of carers, enabling the team to facilitate sessions and tailored support which will increase the knowledge the carers have about their financial options and entitlements.
Sam said: “There are billions of pounds worth of unclaimed benefits and many people don’t really know where to start or even realise they might be entitled to much-needed support. There are also often barriers around the complexities of making claims.
“This often leads to financial strain or difficulties, especially when the increased costs of living in a household where someone has a chronic illness or disability are taken into account. This all creates significant additional stresses that really shouldn’t be there and we’re committed to helping them navigate through the maze.
“With such a challenging role to fulfil, carers deserve fully rounded, holistic support and we’re proud that The Henry Smith Charity has seen that we’re perfectly placed to continue to be there for people in Blackburn with Darwen in the coming months and years. Thanks again to everyone involved.”