UNPAID and voluntary carers across Worcestershire are being supported with a £5,000 grant from the Sanctuary Group.

The housing and care provider, based in Castle Street, has pledged the money to the Worcestershire Association of Carers, ensuring it goes straight to carers in the city.

The money is to be used to support events aimed at giving unpaid carers access to advice and guidance, opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing, extend social networks and reduce isolation.

Sanctuary currently owns and manages more than 100 care homes across the country, run under the Sanctuary Care group. This includes Juniper House Residential Care Home and Regent Residential Care Home, which are both in the St John’s area of Worcester.

The Worcestershire Association of Carers events begin with a carers breakfast at Wayland’s Yard on Foregate Street on Tuesday, June 12, from 10am to noon as part of carers week.

Breakfast events will also be held every three months to encourage carers to spend more time with each other and forge greater friendships.

On Wednesday, June 13, a wellbeing pamper day will then take place. It will offer the chance for people to experience relaxation techniques and learn about support for carers in the area. In addition, male carers will be able to take part in a series of health and wellbeing sessions during the summer and autumn designed to tackle and ease stress, while also helping to improve day-to-day well-being.

Marie-Claire Wattison, Sanctuary’s head of community investment, said: “It’s vital that carers have access to people they can talk to and share experiences with and so we are delighted to be able to support Worcestershire Association of Carers in this way.”

Carole Cumino, CEO of Worcestershire Association of Carers, added: “Sanctuary’s generosity will help make a real difference to unpaid and voluntary carers across the county."