Swindon Carers Centre to benefit from charity ball (From Swindon Advertiser)

Swindon Carers Centre to benefit from charity ball

5:00pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Emma Dunn

A FUNDING boost is to be given to a charity which supports carers and their families.

Swindon Carers Centre has been chosen as a beneficiary of the Charity Ball, which this year is called The Glitter Ball and will take place at the Marriott Hotel in Old Town on May 11.

The charity is hoping to use the money raised to fund family outings for young carers and their families, as well as families where a young person is cared for.

Diana Finch, CEO of Swindon Carers Centre, said: “When you are caring for someone in a family situation it is easy to get stuck in the family home, and there is nothing to feed all those relationships in a positive way to keep the relationship strong.

“What they really need is a chance to have fun all together to keep that relationship strong so they can cope with hard times.

“A lot of our funding has conditions attached and has to be spent on the carer. But often what people want as a break is not to spend time without the person they care for; these outings will be with the person they care for.”

Swindon Carers Centre, which is part of the Carers Trust Network, was established to provide help and support to the 15,000 carers in the town.

It has a team of professionals and trained volunteers who provide a range of support and services.

Swindon Women’s Aid, Phoenix Toy Library, Ridgeway Breast Care Support Group, and Toothill Junior Youth Group have also been chosen as beneficiaries.

The good causes were selected by the Rotary Club of Swindon, which founded the ball.

“The amount donated to us will depend on how successful the ball is but hopefully it might be enough to help 20 families over the course of the year to have a proper day out or a little break,” said Diana.

“We want to thank the Charity Ball committee for having really understood the difficulties many families face. We want to thank them for their support in helping us to address that need.”

The money will help pay for entry fees and additional support or equipment needed for the family outings.

The Charity Ball has, to date, raised £640,000 for more than 50 local charities, with donations ranging from £1,000 to £49,000.

For more information about Swindon Carers Centre visit www.swindoncarers.org.uk