IT’S all hands on deck at Carers Careline arranging a special party for carers to celebrate the charity’s 30th year.
Carers Careline began in 1988 when Geoff Dry, development officer with Redditch Council for Voluntary Service, realised there were a lot of unpaid, unrecognised carers in Redditch who needed support to help them carry on.
Together with Muriel Clarke, who became chair, Geoff set up Carers Careline.
Today, there are more people caring for family members, neighbours and friends than ever and the number rises all the time.
Caring can be an isolating situation and the charity aims to give carers the kind of support that keeps them connected.
It raises funds through donations and grants, as well as other local fund-raising activities.
The funds are used to support carers in coping and activities include group meetings, outings, social events, speakers, counselling and monthly telephone support.
The charity’s team can provide a lifeline for carers desperate for someone to talk to or to help them make difficult phone calls to agencies or fill in complicated forms.
The dedicated staff and volunteers look forward to welcoming Geoff, their founder, to the party which has been funded by a donation given for the specific purpose.
“It’s going to be quite a treat for our carers and we hope they’ll have a lovely time,” said current chair Alex Cameron.
“Carers Careline is a small, local charity. People don’t always want to donate to huge, faceless organisations but with small ones they know the money is going to help people in their own community.
“If you would like to support Carers Careline, pop into our office in the Ecumenical Centre or you can donate through our website, Facebook or through local giving – just search for Carers Careline.”
