Cumbria-based Eden Carers has been awarded over £440,000 of National Lottery funding to help its volunteer staff provide critical assistance to people caring for friends or relatives with illness, disability, or mental health problems.
And, thanks to the funding, they have also been able to partner with another local carers’ charity performing valuable work in the community.
Carers Support South Lakes provides transitional support to older young carers, aged 16 to 24, helping them to prepare for and navigate adult life and pursue their aspirations.
In total, Cumbria received almost £1.6 million of National Lottery funding over the last year for 17 projects involving young people – part of £100 million awarded to community organisations across England by the National Lottery Community Fund.
Duncan Nicholson, head of funding for the North East and Cumbria at the National Lottery Community Fund, said: “I am incredibly proud to see the positive impact this funding is having on young people in communities across Cumbria.
“The past year has highlighted the many challenges they have to face, and how groups like Eden Carers and Carers Support South Lakes have dedicated themselves to helping young people in the community to prosper and thrive.”
Meanwhile Debi Marsden, chief operating officer at Carers Support South Lakes, said: “The funding has enabled us to recruit a dedicated worker who will support our older young carers onto a pathway for their future that they choose.
“Young carers can and often feel very guilty about the choices that they want to make in relation to their future, and this guilt often prevents them for achieving their dreams.”
