Surrey Carers Helped by Much-needed Grant from Tesco

Published on: 29 Jan, 2023
Updated on: 28 Jan, 2023

Unpaid carers aged from five to 95 are receiving much-needed support thanks to a £1,500 grant to Burpham-based charity Action for Carers Surrey.

The charity applied to Tesco’s Community Grants scheme, which awards funds to organisations that make a positive difference to their communities, with £500, £1,000 and £1,500 available.

An Action for Carers Surrey visit to Hampton Court Palace.

According to a press release from Tesco, there are at least 115,000 people in the role of unpaid carer in Surrey, and Action for Carers Surrey provides a wide range of support for them.

The organisation helps anyone who is caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.

Sarah Ferris, corporate and community fundraiser at Action for Carers Surrey, said it supports unpaid carers of all ages with free information, practical help, emotional support, events and advice.

She added: “Our events can be a lifeline for carers, whether on Zoom or in person. These events range from practical information such as making an emergency plan or understanding power of attorney, to relaxing events including mindfulness and yoga. We also organised a series of picnic in the park events over the summer.

“The wellbeing of carers is very important. Giving them some time out from caring helps them feel less stressed and more in control. Carers can exchange ideas, and meeting people in similar situations such as caring for a child with autism helps people feel less alone.

A Surrey Young Carers visit to Bocketts Farm, Leatherhead.

“Alongside our adult carers service, we have specialist support for young adult carers, aged 18 to 25, as well as Surrey Young Carers, a tailored service for carers aged five to 17 years. One of our carers said they were only coping because of us.”

The charity supports people by phone, through face-to-face meetings, support groups and workshops. It can also signpost carers, and the person they care for, on to relevant specialised sources of support.

Claire De Silva, head of community at Tesco, said: “We’re delighted that we can help groups such as Action for Carers Surrey.

“Tesco Community Grants invites our customers to vote using their blue token for local schemes they feel are important to help our communities thrive, and it’s so good to see the impact that the funding makes.”

The Tesco Community Grants scheme is run in partnership with the Groundwork charity.

To apply for a Tesco Community Grant, visit https://tescocommunitygrants.org.uk/