Carers Unite Carers Support Group in Portadown has received a £1,500 grant from Tesco through its Stronger Starts scheme, helping to provide essential store-cupboard items, cleaning products and toiletries for local carers.
The group supports 11 full-time unpaid carers who care for their children and young people at home, many of whom have complex and ongoing needs. The funding is helping to ease some of the financial pressure faced by families who dedicate their time and energy to caring roles.
According to the latest report from national charity Carers UK*, unpaid carers provide support valued at £184 billion each year. However, many are paying a personal cost, with 49% saying they have had to cut back on essentials such as food, heating, clothing and transport.
“With the continued rise in living costs, many families are under increasing pressure, and this support has helped us meet immediate needs with dignity and care,” said carer Rhoda Brown. “We’re incredibly grateful to Tesco for enabling our food bank to provide essential items we wouldn’t usually have the resources to offer. This funding has helped support our members and their families with urgent, practical items that make a real difference during very challenging times.”
Carers Unite meets monthly, offering a safe and supportive space where members can share experiences and take part in activities designed to reduce isolation and support mental wellbeing. These include crafting, gardening, cookery sessions, fun days out, as well as advice and mental health courses.
“Caring for your child at home, every minute of every day, can be incredibly isolating,” Rhoda added. “Having the opportunity to come together, connect with others who understand, and enjoy a couple of hours of fun and companionship has been invaluable to our members.”
The Stronger Starts scheme, in partnership with the Groundwork charity, aims to support many Northern Ireland community projects and good causes in the coming years, with thousands of pounds to give away.
Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We’re delighted that we can help charities like the Carers Unite Carers Support Group. Stronger Starts invites our customers to use their blue tokens to vote for local schemes they feel will benefit people of all ages and it’s so good to see the impact that the funding makes.”
NI shoppers can support their local schools and charities by dropping the Tesco blue token they receive at checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store. For further information on how to make a difference at Tesco stores across NI, please go to https://tescostrongerstarts.org.uk
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