Cork asked to support family carers

People across Cork are being called on to stand with the 70,000 plus family carers in the city and county as through Family Carers Ireland’s Heart of Gold campaign takes place today, Thursday.

There are an estimated 70,686 family carers in Cork supporting people they love and care about, including those living with illness, disability, additional needs, mental health challenges or addiction.

For many, caring brings broken sleep, missed work, reduced income, isolation and constant pressure to keep everything going.

Across Cork family carers are providing essential care that helps people remain at home, where they are safe, comfortable and surrounded by the people who know them best.

The Heart of Gold campaign is running as part of National Carers Week which began on Monday and runs until Sunday 14 June.

Peter Cox, Community Support Manager, Family Carers Ireland, said: “When we talk to family carers, what we hear again and again is that they are not looking for praise. They want practical support, a break when they are exhausted, someone to listen when things become too much, and recognition of the reality of what they are carrying every day.”

Funds raised through Heart of Gold will help Family Carers Ireland provide practical, direct support to family carers across Ireland. This includes the National Freephone Careline, counselling, emergency respite, training, support groups, information and advocacy.

Throughout June, Lidl customers can support Heart of Gold by buying a €2 pin or special flower bouquet across Lidl’s 191 stores nationwide, with funds going directly to Family Carers Ireland.

He added: “Heart of Gold is a simple way for people in Cork to stand beside them. Every pin bought, every bouquet purchased and every donation made helps provide the support that can make a real difference to a family carer who may be isolated, under pressure or in need of urgent help.”