CARER Support Wiltshire is hoping the general public will support a local cause this Christmas and help it raise a further £5,000 for its Community Connections fundraising appeal.

The appeal’s focus is on combating feelings of loneliness and isolation by providing breaks for unpaid carers and putting them back in touch with their communities.

Research from Carers UK and Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness showed that eight in 10 carers feel lonely because of their caring role with many unable to spend time with friends, other family members or take part in activities they may have previously enjoyed.

Support for the appeal so far has come from across the county, including the Pewsey branch of Co-op. An impressive £7,511.48 was raised by Co-op members as part of their Local Community Fund.

Sheila Wollacott, Co-op team manager, said: “It was so nice that customers and staff got behind local causes. Our members showed they cared and we’re happy our efforts will make a difference to carers here in Wiltshire.”

Judy Walker, chief executive of Carer Support Wiltshire, which provides services, advice and information to the county’s 47,000 unpaid carers, said she was overwhelmed by the generosity of local people.

“Life is about connecting with family, friends and your community, but being a carer can sometimes make that hard. The festive period can be especially difficult, with many feeling isolated from the celebrations going on around them. We are very grateful for the support of our appeal so far from local businesses, organisations and the generous readers of the Gazette & Herald and Wiltshire Times. It would be so nice to end the year on a high and be able to support even more carers.”

To find out more about the appeal and to make a donation you can visit the Carer Support Wiltshire website at www.carersupportwiltshire.co.uk or by calling 01380 871690.

If you are a carer and would like to find out more about the support available please call 0800 181 4118.