Hundreds of local carers of people with dementia will get help and support thanks to East Lancashire Freemasons
Tuesday 2nd December 2025
More than 400 carers of people living with dementia (PLWD) across East Lancashire will benefit from expanded specialist support thanks to a £60,000 grant from East Lancashire Freemasons to Carers Link Lancashire. Carers Link Lancashire provides essential support services to unpaid adult and young carers in Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale, Hyndburn, and Ribble Valley. Carers of PLWD face considerable challenges, with 72 per cent providing over 50 hours of care per week and 97% aged over 65, leading to isolation, stress, financial hardship, and mental health difficulties. The charity has experienced a 29 per cent rise in referrals from carers of PLWD in the past year alone.
This funding enables Carers Link Lancashire to employ a dedicated dementia support worker to lead targeted support services. This role will include conducting carers’ assessments, delivering tailored support plans, facilitating weekly community drop-in sessions, monthly Dementia Cafés, specialist dementia training, peer support groups, and social activities. These vital services will be available at home, in community venues, or remotely, ensuring full accessibility, completely free of charge. Evaluations of existing services highlight significant benefits: 99 per cent of carers report improved caregiving capacity, and 100 per cent feel better supported in their personal wellbeing. Since April 2024, Carers Link Lancashire has successfully secured £643,663 in previously unclaimed benefits for carers.
Dave McGurty, APGM for the Northern area, along with Graham Robinson, the Area Charity Steward designate, met with the Trustees, staff, volunteers and access users of Carers Link Lancashire, at the Accrington building.
The grant from East Lancashire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, funded by Freemasons and their families across England and Wales. Rebecca Hodgson, CEO at Carers Link Lancashire, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to East Lancashire Freemasons for their generous support. This initiative provides vital, targeted assistance for carers who often struggle in isolation. With this support, we can significantly improve the quality of life for carers and those they care for.”
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dave McGurty from East Lancashire Freemasons said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to support Carers Link Lancashire’s crucial work. Their new dementia advisor role aligns perfectly with our mission to help vulnerable people. We’re confident our funding will contribute positively, reducing isolation and improving wellbeing for carers throughout the region.”