This year, we are supporting:
At some point in our lives, all of us are likely to need care and support from family and friends or have to provide support as carers. As we get older the level of demand for help increases and the economic factors make it harder for people to get the help and support they need. Harrow has not had a specific place where carers can go to receive this. In 1995 Harrow Carers Support was launched and became a registered charity in 1996, joining The Princess Royal Trust for Carers network in 1998. They have now moved from Pinner to North Harrow where they are developing an accessible, well equipped and culturally sensitive environment, to accommodate the increasing demand.
The cost of the building and refurbishment is £1 million. The appeal has identified and priced specific items and changes needed ranging from furniture, CCTV coverage and computers, to disabled ramps, door widening and conversion of the first floor into a short term residential flat. Harrow Carers provides information to carers on benefits available, signposting to other services, assessment and housing advice. They provide a wide range of services such as, outings, respite breaks for parents of children with special needs, counselling, complementary therapy for all carers, advocacy, activity groups, emotional support for carers of all ages including young carers, carers of people who are mentally ill, carers 65+ and BME carers. In addition they organise action groups, workshops and training to increase awareness of carers and their issues. The organisation employs 17 staff, is supported by 40 volunteers and has a board of all volunteer trustees.
It is our hope to be able to make a substantial financial contribution to this work and also that the increased awareness may inspire some to offer themselves as volunteers or to offer their support in a practical way.
Harrow Carers can be contacted at:
376-378 Pinner Road, Harrow, HA2 6DZ
phone: 020 8868 5224
email: admin@harrowcarers.org