Family Cares Ireland launches fundraising drive to help family carers hit hardest by pandemic
Family Carers Ireland has launched a national fundraising drive to coincide with National Carers Week which runs from June 7 – 13..
A hardship fund the charity established at the height of the pandemic to help family carers in crisis has run out of money due to the demands for help from those struggling mentally, physically and financially.
So the charity is asking people all over Ireland to walk or run 24k over 7 days with or without their canine friend in solidarity with Ireland’s 500,000 family carers and in recognition of the 24/7 nature of many caring roles.
Called “Paws for a Cause” the event is being supported by www.buy4petsonline.ie and all the money raised will go directly to help family carers in crisis.
The last twelve months have been incredibly difficult for all but, in particular for family carers who saw services and supports for their loved ones depleted and, in many cases, eradicated.
The blanket withdrawal of supports such as homecare, respite, personal assistance hours and residential care during lockdown forced many to care alone, around the clock and without the support of extended family or friends.
Family Carers Ireland’s “Caring Through Covid” report, which explored the experiences of 1,307 family carers caring during COVID-19, found that the pandemic is having a profound impact on their lives.
Not only are they caring without practical supports, but they are also struggling financially and are worried about what the future holds for them and the people they care for.
Parents of children with a disability lost the routine and relief of school, day services and essential therapies, placing their children at serious risk of regression.
Older carers and those with underlying health conditions were expected to cocoon, isolated and became reliant on others. Even carers who were coping relatively well prior to the pandemic became mentally and physically drained, with many struggling to maintain their caring role.
“Unfortunately, our hardship fund has run out” said Catherine Cox of Family Carers Ireland, “but the needs and demand are greater than ever and will continue well beyond 2021 as we emerge from this pandemic and examine the damage it has caused, particularly to the mental health of our family carers and their loved ones.
“Family carers have played a more significant role in suppressing the coronavirus than most and their essential contribution to the national healthcare response should be acknowledged and applauded” Catherine said.
“Unfortunately, they have felt largely ignored and overlooked throughout this pandemic particularly when it came to providing PPE, priority testing and priority vaccinations.
“Thousands of family carers are still waiting to be vaccinated. By supporting our Paws for a Cause fundraiser, you will help to provide a vital lifeline to the forgotten frontline of this pandemic and shine a light on their remarkable contribution to our society.”
For more information or to register for the “Paws for a Cause” event see: www.familycarers.ie.
Registration is just €20 and you don’t have to have a dog, you can join in anyway!
