Carers Network, a local independent charity supporting unpaid carers in central London, is thrilled to have been chosen by the new Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Patricia McAllister, to be one of her beneficiary charities of the year for 2023/2024.

“As Lord Mayor of Westminster, I’m delighted to be nominating a local independent charity, Carers Network, as one of my charities of the year. Carers make a vital contribution to the local community, with unpaid care in England and Wales contributing £162 billion a year to the economy (Carers UK). Carers Network works tirelessly to support local unpaid carers and provides a vital lifeline to many carers in the City of Westminster. It helps carers access grants, advice, support and training, along with providing opportunities for events and activities that enable them to have a break from their demanding caring roles. During my tenure as Lord Mayor, I want to help Carers Network reach and support even more local carers in the borough.” – Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Patricia McAllister.

An unpaid carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend with a disability, illness, mental health condition or who needs extra help as they grow older.

For some, taking on a caring role can be sudden: someone in their family has an accident or a child is born with a disability. For others, caring responsibilities can grow gradually over time: their parents cannot manage on their own any longer or a partner’s mental or physical health gradually worsens.

Local carer Imogen has been looking after her 92-year-old mother since 2002. In 2018 she had to give up her full-time work as her mum requires 24/7 care. “I had a carer’s assessment before but would far rather have it done by Carers Network now, as they approach it from a totally different angle and understand the impact of your caring role on life and the restrictions it imposes.
“Unless Carers Network had told me about the Carers Personal Budget, I would never have known about it. Carers can become invisible, and if it wasn’t for organisations like Carers Network, we’d get no recognition. The support Carers Network provides is essential and it’s great to know they are there for us when times get really tough.”

As one of the Lord Mayor of Westminster’s charities of the year for 2023-24, Carers Network will receive vital support to continue its work in the community. This recognition will also help bring greater attention to the importance of supporting carers and the incredible work they do.

Brian Jones, CEO at Carers Network, says: “We are delighted to have been chosen as one of the Lord Mayor’s charities this year. We couldn’t do what we do without the fundraising efforts of our generous supporters and the money raised will provide valued support to those that care for others”.

Carers Network know how passionate the Lord Mayor is about supporting unpaid carers in Westminster. Together they will be fundraising so that they can help improve the lives of even more local unpaid carers so they can lead healthy fulfilling lives, with a range of practical, personal and financial support, suited to their needs.