Marsden supports Garstang carers with £2.8k donation

The Marsden Building Society Charitable Foundation has awarded £2,869 to Age UK Lancashire, to fund a support group for carers of older people in Garstang.

The Garstang and District Carers’ Support Group meets monthly at Garstang Methodist Church on a drop-in basis. The group currently supports 17 carers and the individuals they care for, the majority of which are aged 70 and over. It provides opportunities to meet with fellow carers, share experiences, listen to guest speakers and access information on local services.

The group is run by Age UK Lancashire and this funding covers the cost of a Community Engagement Manager, who helps to run the sessions and organises speakers on a range of issues, such as scam awareness and later life legal planning.

The Community Engagement Manager also plays a vital role in reaching isolated individuals who could benefit from the support group, as a Social Prescribing Service is no longer available locally.  

Rob Pheasey, Chief Executive of the Marsden Building Society, said: “This initiative provides a valuable lifeline for carers in Garstang and we’re proud to offer our support. Contributing to our communities is extremely important to us, as it’s our goal to have a positive and lasting impact on the neighbourhoods we serve. Projects like this are vital to ensure inclusion and ultimately helps to make Lancashire a great place to live.”

Anne Oliver, Community Engagement Manager at Age UK Lancashire, added: "We’re delighted that the Marsden Building Society Charitable Foundation have given us their generous support. Funding like this enables us to continue providing a safe space for carers in Garstang, giving them a relaxed space to socialise, share experiences and access information and support. Many of the people we support are caring for loved ones whilst also facing their own challenges.

“This group helps reduce isolation in local communities and, like our Garstang group, several other groups across the county are dependent on the support we’re fortunate enough to receive from local businesses. Thanks to this donation, we can reach even more carers who may otherwise feel alone in their journey."

The Marsden Building Society Charitable Foundation aims to support projects in Lancashire focussed on three key themes, financial well-being, societal inclusion, and the environment.