Over 12,800 carers registered in Louth, many more likely not identified
Lidl Ireland has announced a new charity partnership with Family Carers Ireland, the national charity that supports around half a million family carers across the country.
With a pledge to raise €1 million over the next three years, funds raised by Lidl colleagues and customers will support the vital work of the charity who provide free supports and services such as of emergency care planning, counselling, emergency respite and respite provision, advocacy, peer support groups and information on rights and entitlements.
According to Family Carers Ireland, there are over 500,000 family carers across the country, but many others who are in a carer role are slipping through the net as they do not self-identify, seeing themselves only as a mum, dad, brother, sister or grandparent, but they are also a family carer.
Through the new partnership, Lidl will support Family Carers Ireland’s work to encourage family carers to self-identify and connect with the charity with the message ‘we see you.’
“We know from Family Carers Ireland’s work, and from research with our own employees, that there is an unmet need in identifying and supporting people who are in carer roles, but slipping through the net” said Chief People Officer, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, Maeve McCleane.
“Caring for a family member or loved one can have a huge impact on the caregiver’s life and, as a family retailer committed to supporting customers at every life stage, this new charity partnership will enable us to better support our valued customers, colleagues and the wider public.
“With a network of more than 180 stores across the country, and almost 2 million weekly shoppers, Lidl is uniquely positioned to support Family Carers Ireland in growing awareness of its services and connecting with caregivers at a local level.
“With a commitment to raise €1 million for the charity over the next three years, our support will extend far beyond fundraising. Through our partnership, we will aim to raise awareness as to what it means to be a carer, champion the carer’s voice both through our stores and network of employees across the country and educate all on the challenges facing carers today to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the hundreds of thousands of family carers across the country.”
