A CHARITY that supports unpaid carers has received a donation from a national housebuilder after seeing a sharp rise in demand for its services caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Barratt Homes is one of the lead partners on Swindon’s landmark Wichelstowe development and has donated £1,000 to Swindon Carers Centre ahead of its Carers Rights Day 2020 next month.

It nominated the charity to receive its monthly community fund donation in recognition of several colleagues who manage caring responsibilities alongside their jobs at the company.

SCC 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 SCC 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."