Leaving Loneliness Behind

This week is Carers Week, a time to acknowledge the huge contribution made by millions of people across the UK who care, unpaid, for a family member who cannot look after themselves.

Carers can be as young as five whilst many carers, well into their 80s, are looking after a partner or a child.

Even if you've not had to care for someone, it's likely you may become a carer at some point. Three in five of us, in fact, will need to care for someone at some point in our lives.

It could be a parent with a long-term disability, a child with poor mental health or even a middle-aged son or daughter addicted to alcohol or illegal substances.

Caring for a family member can also be very isolating. Round the clock caring responsibilities like feeding, washing and providing medication mean many carers have little time to relax with friends and colleagues. That's why the theme of Carers Week 2019 is getting carers connected in their communities.

Players of People's Postcode Lottery are helping to support unpaid carers. To date, over £1 Million has been raised for Carers Trust. Some of that money is helping the charity provide grants to local carer groups to fund activities that break down isolation and boost wellbeing among carers, especially carers from minority and vulnerable groups.

Breaking Down Loneliness

Our players are also funding walking activities for carers in Glasgow. These walks are organised by Carers Trust's partner charity, Glasgow East End Community Carers. The idea behind this is to give carers a break from caring and bring them together with other carers for fun walks, helping to lift their spirits.

There are walks through Glasgow's local parks and once a month carers are driven out of the city for walks in the Trossachs and other beautiful landscapes.

Carers like Charlotte Matteo are incredibly enthusiastic about the benefits of the walks. Charlotte said, "I get excited on my way down for the walk. Before, I had no confidence - now I've re-found myself and am full of confidence. When we came to a bridge with a hole, I was the first to say, 'I'll jump over' and showed the others. I feel more alive and in touch with the real me."

And for carer Bryce Wilson the walks represent a vital lifeline, "We're collecting memories that keep me going at night, keep me focused and prevent me slipping back into depression."

Help Us Help Good Causes

By signing up to People's Postcode Lottery, our players are not only helping amazing charities like Carers Trust. Players can also win amazing Prizes every single day. If you're not signed up and would like to know more - why not find out How It Works?