A SOUTH Lakeland carer’s charity hosted a thank you event this week for the hundreds of businesses and individuals who have supported them this year.
The event, at Carer Support South Lakeland’s pop-up shop in Wainwright’s Yard, Kendal, was a chance for new chair, Paul Johnston, to present thank you certificates.
Paul, who takes over from retiring chair Roger Jackson, said: “Thanks to the generosity of over 160 local businesses and individuals this year we were able to give carers a break. Funds raised at our November Autumn Ball will enhance the support and services we give. It’s a great demonstration of social responsibility and leadership,” added Paul.
Mr Johnson grew up in Penrith and trained as a social worker, working in West Cumbria and the South Lakes, before pursuing a career across the north west of England. He currently is a Health & Social Care Commissioning Specialist with Manchester City Council. Paul maintains his links with Cumbria, through his own caring responsibilities, and he has a home in Kendal. As he prepares for retirement Paul says he has joined Carer Support South Lakes to be a part of a talented team with a strong local mission to support carers through challenging times.
He said: “We hope to increase visibility and understanding of the services available to carers. The team is keen to have more conversations with more carers at a much earlier point in their caring journey to help them with stress, isolation and respite. We can also help with arrangements like the Lasting Power of Attorney.”
Carer Support South Lakes helps 1,250 unpaid carers, aged between six and 98-years-old, who can feel overwhelmed or isolated because of their caring responsibilities. The charity believes there are at least 12,000 people in caring roles in the South Lakes area.
A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who is ill, has a disability, mental ill health or an addiction and who cannot cope without their support. Most people will be a carer at some point in their lives says the charity.
Anyone interested in finding out more, including volunteering opportunities, can call in at the charity’s pop up shop in Wainwright’s Yard until Fri 20 Dec or telephone their Stricklandgate House offices in Kendal on 01539 815970
