Carers Link was set up in 1997 as a voluntary community care project across Blackburn, Darwen Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley with the aim of supporting unpaid carers across the boroughs of East Lancashire.  Unpaid carers can be people whose spouse, partner or family member has to be looked after at home.  This can be a full time job for many people and Carers Link is there to help these people so that they can still enjoy their lives whilst looking after their loved ones. 

Founded in Lancashire in 2014 from the original Carers Link, there are now over 42,000 carers in East Lancashire and about 6.5 million in the UK – around 1 in every 8 people and it is estimated that three out of every five people will become a carer at some point in their lifetime. These volunteers save the economy £132 billion every year!

The organistation supports carers by providing assessments, contingency planning,  and a range of supports which enable them to take a break from their role and reduce isolation where needed. Providing a vital support system, they help carers get in touch with the authorities and organisations they need to contact to get occupational therapy and specialist equipment needed to look after those who need assistance.

East Ribble Freemasons were delighted to be able to help Carers Link Lancashire with a donation of £250 towards funds which will help provide activities for Adult Carers.

Presenting the cheque to Audra Higgins, the Service Manager at Carers Link Lancashire are East Ribble Charity Steward Malcolm Roe (left) and Stuart Hindle (right).  Stuart proposed the donation towards the charity as he is a volunteer Carer himself, and Malcolm has used the service previously when care was needed for his elderly father.