Ireland Asked to Stand With Family Carers This Carers Week

Young carers Senan Vaughan (Dublin), Anna Donnelly Larkin (Sligo) and Ellen Gannon (Limerick) pictured at the launch of the Heart of Gold campaign on Sandymount Strand in Dublin.

People across Ireland are being encouraged to stand with family carers this National Carers Week, as Family Carers Ireland’s Heart of Gold campaign returns to raise vital funds and awareness for those providing care every day. National Carers Week runs from Monday, 8th June to Sunday, 14th June, with Heart of Gold Day taking place on Thursday, 11th June.

There are currently 500,000+ family carers across Ireland supporting people they love and care about, including those living with illness, disability, additional needs, mental health challenges or addiction. For many, caring brings broken sleep, missed work, reduced income, isolation and constant pressure to keep everything going. Across Ireland, family carers are providing essential care that helps people remain at home, where they are safe, comfortable and surrounded by the people who know them best.

Funds raised through Heart of Gold will help Family Carers Ireland provide practical, direct support to family carers across Ireland. This includes the National Freephone Careline, counselling, emergency respite, training, support groups, information and advocacy, and local support through Family Carers Ireland’s Carer Support Centres. These supports help carers access advice, navigate services, connect with others who understand their situation, and get support at moments when they may feel overwhelmed or alone.

The campaign is proudly supported by Lidl Ireland. Throughout June, customers can support Heart of Gold by buying a €2 pin or special flower bouquet across Lidl’s 191 stores nationwide, with funds going directly to Family Carers Ireland. Lidl store teams will also take part in a charity spinathon, while customers can also support the charity year-round by donating their Deposit Return Scheme deposits in store.

Charlene Hurley, National Fundraising Manager, Family Carers Ireland, said:

“When we talk to family carers, what we hear again and again is that they are not looking for praise. They want practical support, a break when they are exhausted, someone to listen when things become too much, and recognition of the reality of what they are carrying every day.

“Heart of Gold is a simple way for people to stand beside them. Every pin bought, every bouquet purchased and every donation made helps provide the support that can make a real difference to a family carer who may be isolated, under pressure or in need of urgent help.

“This National Carers Week, we are asking people across Ireland to support those who give so much of themselves every day, because no one should have to care alone.”

To donate in support of family carers, please click here.