A charity supporting unpaid carers has received a donation to help it meet the sharp rise in demand for its services due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Barratt Homes, the company behind the Wichelstowe development, has donated £1,000 to Swindon Carers Centre ahead of Carers Rights Day 2020 next month.

Staff members for the housebuilder nominated the charity to receive its monthly community fund donation in recognition of colleagues who also manage caring responsibilities alongside their jobs.

Swindon Carers Centre helps support 21,000 unpaid carers in Swindon and says the coronavirus pandemic has created additional, complex pressures for people with caring responsibilities.

Susanna Jones, CEO of Swindon Carers Centre said: “Our mission at Swindon Carers Centre is to create a community where carers are recognised, valued and supported – and that has never been more important than in the middle of a global pandemic.

“Unpaid carers are often the first point of call for relatives, partners or friends living with an illness, frailty, disability or poor mental health. Due to Covid-19 shielding concerns or reduced services, many are putting in extra hours. They are working harder than ever to balance work, education and other commitments alongside their caring role.

“We are so thankful to the Barratt Homes team at Wichelstowe, for nominating us to receive this month’s £1,000 donation. As a society we depend on the quiet selflessness of our unpaid carers. Thank you firstly for helping us to continue supporting carers at this vital time, and secondly for recognising the enormous contribution they make to our community, our health and social care system and our economy.”

Andrea Pilgrim, sales director for Barratt Homes in Wiltshire added: “At Barratt we are passionate about supporting both our local communities and our staff. So we’re delighted to be able to help Swindon Carers Centre which does such valuable work not only supporting carers but also helping us all to recognise the incredible contribution they make. We’re looking forward to welcoming more families to Wichelstowe as our new homes and completed and the community continues to grow.”