SWINDON Carers Centre has been chosen as the charity of the year for chartered accountants, Monahans.

The Old Town based business will be organising a range of fundraising activities to raise awareness of the thousands of unpaid carers in Swindon from the age of five years old, who rely on Swindon Carers Centre for advice and support.

Fundraising has started in earnest, with a Monahan’s Bake Off raising more than £100 in April and a quiz night at Royal Wootton Bassett Bowls Club, attended by a team of SCC staff which raised £280.

Both parties say it will be an exciting year for Swindon Carers Centre and Monahans, as the partnership will allow both organisations to come together to promote awareness of and fundraise for unpaid carers.

“We would like to thank Monahans for helping to highlight the exceptional work unpaid carers do in Swindon. Unpaid carers save our economy £395 million per year and it is vitally important that work is recognised and our carers are supported. We are really looking forward to working in partnership over the next year,” said Susanna Jones, Swindon Carers Centre’s Interim Chief Executive

Craig Hatherall, chairman of the Social and Charitable Events Committee at Monahans, said: “We are delighted to support such a worthy cause. The Swindon office is looking forward to raising as much money as possible during 2016/17.”

Swindon Carers Centre is part of the national network of the Carers Trust and is also affiliated to Carers UK. It offers help and support to people in Swindon who have caring responsibilities. There are approximately 21,000 carers of all ages (including children and young people) in the Borough of Swindon and Swindon Carers Centre is available to provide them with much needed support, help and information.