Hindpool-based Furness Carers receive £25,000 from Masonic Charitable Foundation

Carers Hub CEO Craig Backhouse accepted the donation on behalf of the organisation and explained how the money will help the area’s unpaid carers.

He said: “Furness Carers support all unpaid carers in the area of Furness.

“We offer free information and support on all aspects of their caring role.

“With the loss of one-to-one meetings throughout last year, volunteer staff have been holding a virtual ‘Carers Café’ during the week to allow everyone a chance to have a safe chat with other carers and Furness Carers staff.

“These friendly sessions were really appreciated.”

Furness Carers, based at the Hindpool Community Centre on Nelson Street, is a registered charity that receives no funding from the Government and relies on public support to allow them to carry out their vital work.

The organisation does not work in isolation and is helped by Cumbria County Council, the local health authority and other statutory and voluntary agencies.

It is also a member of the Carers Support Cumbria Group, a consortium of caring groups across Cumbria.

Furness Carers have been helping unpaid carers for 27 years and their focus is on improving the health, wellbeing, financial status, employment, education, training, leisure and social life of carers.

They provide a number of free services, including: carers groups; drop-in facilities; voluntary sitting services; a friendly listening ear; individual support; and the carers emergency contingency plan and card scheme.

For the young carer, there is help with homework, cooking, housework, support with other family members, time with other young carers and after-school clubs.

Staff provided online quiz sessions, bingo, craft skills, Zumba and mental well-being sessions during the pandemic.

Annually, there are 1,400 adult unpaid carers in Furness and 200 young carers, aged between five and 18, who seek assistance from Furness Carers.

Mr Backhouse said: “I am thrilled with the donation as raising money has been rather difficult recently, but with the fundraising by Freemasons, Furness Carers will be able to support carers of all ages in our local community.”