Carer Support Wiltshire are grateful to the many organisations, businesses and individuals who have so far supported their Time for Carers Appeal, but are keen to encourage more to fundraise for unpaid carers this Christmas.

The Appeal is aiming to raise £30,000 to help unpaid carers take a break, paying for those who are struggling with the demands of caring around the clock for a loved one, to have some time out for themselves. Many activities have been funded, including theatre trips, music lessons, technology and counselling.

Rachael Demery, Community Fundraising Officer for Carer Support Wiltshire said, “This year, more than ever, people want to thank unpaid carers for the work they do. Carers have had an incredibly difficult year, with many opportunities to take a break now not available to them. Recent research has shown that the number of hours of care being provided by carers has increased since the start of the pandemic."

“We’ve recently received donations from The Fineman Trust, Multivac, Waitrose & Partners in Warminster and the Devizes Rotary Club among others. We thank them all for their kind support, alongside many generous individuals. We’d love if people can think of ways they could fundraise this Christmas to give unpaid carers a special treat.”

One way people can raise money this year is by taking part in Christmas Hat Day in aid of Time for Carers. Encourage your friends and colleagues to wear a Christmas hat for their work or other online meetings and make a donation.

Jane Harding from Warminster cares for her husband David, who has dementia. She was awarded £300 this year from the Time for Carers fund.

“When my husband was diagnosed with dementia I found it difficult to accept. I had acupuncture then and it helped reduce my stress and helped me to manage," said Jane.

“Recently he has lost his driving licence and we have lost our independence. We’re not able to get out and I’ve not been well. I’ve had to get shopping organised during lockdown and when you have to do everything else too it overwhelms you. I get tearful and very stressed. I’m unable to pay for acupuncture regularly as it’s expensive and when I spoke to Carer Support Wiltshire they said they would try to get me some funding for it...I’ve had two sessions so far and it helps me a lot. I can come out feeling on cloud nine!”

Those who would like to donate or fundraise for Time for Carers this Christmas can find out more at carersupportwiltshire.co.uk/get-involved/fundraise.

Carer Support Wiltshire are also holding two festive events for carers online this December, funded by Zurich Community Fund. A festive book club will be taking place on the 9th and 11th of December and a quiz on the 18th December. Attendees to both will receive some treats ahead of the event. To book your place, call 0800 181 4118.