The Co-operative Group (Co-op) has announced its charity of the year for 2013 – in the Carers Trust.
The charity, formed when the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care joined forces in April this year, works to support the nation’s unpaid young adult carers.
The Co-operative’s 100,000-strong team, including its Funeralcare branch, will be putting their efforts into all manner of fundraising initiatives – with the hope of reducing the carers’ isolation and providing breaks, information and advice for the young adults who are giving their childhoods to help others.
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Peter Marks, group chief executive of the Co-operative, said: “Caring is often a hidden issue and our partnership with Carers Trust aims to change that.
“Forming an integral part of our commitment to inspiring young people, the focus of our charity of the year relationship will be on 14 to 25 year olds in our communities who have taken on practical and emotional caring responsibilities for a family member or friend who cannot cope without their support,” he added.
Last year the Co-op raised a record £7.2 million for Mencap and its sister charity ENABLE Scotland, and this year it hopes to provide the same respite for youngsters who, often, have not taken a break of two days or more since they started caring.
“I am delighted to announce that we are now able to offer them our support and, I am confident that with the help of our staff, customers and members, we will be able to make a massive difference to thousands of young lives across the UK,” said Peter.
Image: Peter Marks, group chief executive of the Co-operative, and Thea Stein, chief executive of Carers Trust.
