A CUMBRIAN broadcaster has been announced as the first ever patron of a charity that supports unpaid carers in the area. Caz Graham, from Kendal, says she is excited and honoured at being announced as patron of Carer Support South Lakes, which supports hundreds of unpaid carers each year. The Kendal-based charity helps people of all ages to cope with the pressures of looking after loved ones. Ms Graham, who broadcasts nationally on BBC Radio 4, believes the support offered by the charity is vital to so many. “Carer Support South Lakes is a crucial organisation for anyone of us who is suddenly hit by the “freight-train” that is having to care for someone we love,” she said.
BBC Radio 4 broadcaster becomes patron for Cumbrian charity
Caz Graham, The new patron of Carer Support South Lakes
A BBC Radio 4 broadcaster who was touched by the impact caring has had on her friends has become a patron for a charity that supports them.
Carlisle-born Caz Graham says she’s excited and honoured at being announced as the first-ever patron of the charity Carer Support South Lakes, which supports hundreds of unpaid carers each year.
Caz says she began to fully understand the vital role the charity plays after seeing close friends become carers for their loved ones.
“Nobody knows when it is going to happen, and nobody really understands it until it touches you or your close friends,” she said.
Masons help young carers connect with laptop donation
20/04/2021
David Kellet a senior member of Mark Master Masons in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cumberland & Westmorland presenting laptop computers to Mike Seaton, CEO of Carer Support South Lakes and Holly Cragg, Young Carers Lead Support Worker.
A group of South Lakes masons have donated five laptops for young carers in the area.
Mark Master Masons of the Province of Cumberland & Westmorland donated the computers to help the youngsters during the pandemic.
Trustees of the Provincial Mark Benevolent Fund in the Province of Cumberland & Westmorland having already donated 115 computer laptops to primary school children throughout Cumbria and recognised the young carers, aged between five and 24, who support someone in their own home, could often be overlooked.
THE news that the Carer’s Allowance is to rise by a few pence a week has been met with disappointment and anger. The Government recently announced that they would only be increasing the allowance in line with inflation, working out at around an extra 35p a week. Carer s Allowance is currently paid at £67.25 a week, according to Carers UK. Mike Seaton, CEO of Carer Support South Lakes, said: “This increase is extremely disappointing and unfair. “Unpaid carers save the Government billions of pounds a year, their roles have increased dramatically especially during the pandemic, they are unable to access any respite and the added responsibilities are affecting their emotional and physical wellbeing.
A new weekly online craft club is underway to give young carers take a break from their caring responsibilities in the South Lakes area. Over the next six weeks, carers aged seven to eleven will get together for a live online crafting session run by Lakeland Arts and staff from Carer Support South Lakes. One of five carer support charities in Cumbria, the Kendal-based Carer Support South Lakes provides services and support to 1,350 unpaid carers in South Lakeland, aged between six and 98-years-old. “It’s a chance to socialise with other young carers and to have a break from their caring roles,” said Holly Cragg, from Carer Support South Lakes.