Christmas Hope Appeal

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be difficult, frightening and isolating. It shouldn’t be. Family Carers Ireland want carers to know they have the support they need to care safely, to make it less of a battle and to know they are not alone.

Please donate to our Christmas Hope Appeal or create your own fundraiser and support family carers like Mary* this Christmas and beyond.

*Mary's name has been changed to protect her privacy

Mary is a family carer and mum to her two children, who are autistic and require 24/7 care. She availed of our free counselling service and is one of thousands of family carers we support daily. We hope you can help us continue to deliver this service throughout 2024. Below is Mary's story. 

“With every passing day, the role that I had been ’chosen for’ was making me feel so ill I was exhausted, worn out and felt mentally like I could not go on. The smallest tasks took the most energy and my apathy for life became monstrous. I saw no light at the end of the tunnel, and the tunnel seemed to never end! Fearing the road ahead, I began to reach out to anyone who might listen and support me. I so desperately wanted to find someone who would understand in a non-judgemental way. I felt bad enough about myself at this stage.”

One day, while sitting alone in a car park, the only place Mary could now have a good cry, she reached out to Family Carers Ireland. 

“They had been mentioned to me before and they were about the fourth call I had made that day seeking help...it was only two minutes into the call and I felt heard and saved. I can only describe the counselling sessions as life-changing and re-charging. Don't get me wrong, they are not easy, but in the discomfort and soul searching, there is HOPE and that's all I need."

"I definitely would not be where I am today without these sessions and I urge anyone in a similar place to reach out and where possible to support this amazing charity, Family Carers Ireland. All support and counselling were afforded to me due to the generosity of others as they rely heavily on external funding. It was a huge comfort to me knowing I could access this support without a financial worry to add to the dark place I found myself in. I really can’t articulate in words or do justice to the services and care of this organisation but I will be forever grateful for all they have done and continue to do for me and my family.”

There are many ways you can help family carers like Mary this Christmas.

Register your own Christmas fundraiser

Why not go the extra mile and organise your own Christmas fundraiser with friends, family and or colleagues. Whether it's a Christmas jumper day, a raffle or a seasonal Santa stroll, your fundraiser will make a real difference to the lives of family carers.

Donate to our Christmas Hope Appeal

Your donation will help fund our essential counselling service in 2024 which is a life line for so many family carers.

Make a personal donation     Make a company donation​​​

We are forever grateful for your support. 

Please help us to be there for family carers who need us most.

No one should have to care alone.

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