Care Workers Charity appeal hits £1 million target for care workers on the frontline

Over £1 million has been raised for self-isolating care workers financially impacted by the coronavirus and The Care Workers Charity (CWC) now hopes to raise £2 million to stop its much-needed funds running out.

A total of £1,018,182 so far (5 May) has been donated, after the charity launched a coronavirus emergency appeal fund to help care workers on the frontline of the pandemic.

‘I cannot put into words how happy we are’

In just six weeks, more than 5,000 people and businesses donated to the CWC’s Coronavirus Emergency Fund. The fund was set up to financially support care workers who are shielding, self-isolating or unable to work because they have contracted the coronavirus.

Karolina Gerlich, executive director of The Care Workers Charity said: “To think only a couple of weeks ago demand for our emergency grants were surpassing our donations!

“I cannot put into words how happy we are to have reached this target.

“This would not have happened without the selflessness and kindness of those who donated. Without their donations many care workers would be facing a very difficult time. I would like to say a special thanks to those who donated significant sums to the Fund”.

The chief executive singled out for praise donations from the following care providers: Home Instead Senior Care, Borough Care, Sir Nigel Broackes Trust, The Care Badge, Hallmark Foundation, Health Foundation, Barchester, Rayn Foundation, Solihull Council, Julia and Hans Rausing, HC One Ltd, HC One Trust, Savills.

She said: “Their donations alone helped us to approve thousands of emergency grants.”

Care workers are 'going into debt' and 'going hungry'

Overwhelmed by the huge demand for grants, the charity has now raised its target to £2 million. Having already issued over a thousand grants to care workers self-isolating, the CWC still fears funds will run-out if more is not raised.

There are almost two million care workers in the UK who spend their lives caring for others but when circumstances change, often it is the care workers who need help.

“Our care workers are some of the lowest paid workers in the country. Many who are self-isolating receive at best statutory sick pay, others none. Some are going into debt and others are going hungry, and all for doing the right thing”, she added.

The fund is an emergency grant programme aimed at helping care workers in need because of the virus. The charity began making available financial grants for care workers to apply for, from 30 March.

There are almost two million care workers in the UK who spend their lives caring for others but when circumstances change, often it is the care workers who need help.

The CWC urges the public to “help us keep the UK caring”.

You can help The Care Workers Charity by donating to its Just Giving page here.