The funding has provided essential financial aid and support services to over 14,400 carers, helping them navigate their responsibilities while improving their quality of life.
Rank Group has announced that its long-standing partnership with Carers Trust has now raised an impressive £4 million ($5 million) to support unpaid carers across the UK. The funding has provided essential financial aid and support services to over 14,400 carers, helping them navigate their responsibilities while improving their quality of life.
Since the partnership began in 2014, the funds have been distributed through Carers Trust’s extensive network of over 130 local organisations. These contributions have enabled access to respite breaks, skills development programmes, and direct financial assistance for carers in need.
A portion of the funds has been dedicated to grants for essential household appliances, providing relief to carers facing financial difficulties.
Research highlights that unpaid carers—those looking after family members or friends with disabilities, illnesses, or addictions—are more likely to experience financial hardship.
According to Carers Trust, the rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for carers to afford essential household items such as fridges, washing machines, and cookers.
Evelyn, a carer from Leeds who looks after her 12-year-old daughter with an autoimmune disease, shared her experience:
“I had to prioritise the cooker because I have to prepare food for my family. Without it, I just couldn’t look after my daughter. The grant was so important to me.”
Rank Group employees and customers have played a key role in fundraising efforts through a variety of initiatives, including sports challenges, payroll giving, and venue-based donation campaigns.
Expanding Support for Carers
As the partnership enters its 12th year, Rank has announced plans to go beyond financial contributions by introducing volunteering programmes designed to help carers re-enter the workforce.
Carers Trust CEO Kirsty McHugh celebrated the milestone, stating:
“Raising £4m for Carers Trust is an incredible milestone and one that simply would not have been possible without the generosity of our colleagues and customers who have contributed over the past 11 years.”
Rank Group CEO John O’Reilly reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the cause:
“Supporting our community is central to Rank’s core value of responsibility, and with this in mind, we are now exploring how we can further build on our partnership with Carers Trust, including initiatives like skills-based training and work placements for carers.”