ACROSS Cumbria charities supporting unpaid carers are hoping people will make 2023 the year they donate a little of their time to help others.

With New Year resolutions being planned, Carer Support Cumbria are asking anyone planning to become a volunteer to get in touch.

CEO of Carer Support Eden, Dr Dani Leslie said: “Just an hour a month of time donated can make a real difference to someone who spends 24/7 caring for a loved one. To have an hour to go to an appointment, visit a gym or have some me time, makes areal posiive difference to an unpaid Carer.

“Where ever you live in Cumbria, your local Carer Support organisation is looking for volunteers with a range of skills, from admin and fundraising to being a volunteer for the Sitting Service. And we are all looking for Trustees to help run our organistions.”

Angela Longridge, CEO of Carer Support West Cumbria added: “Training and support is given to all our volunteers who really do make difference to local people lives.”

Craig Backhouse, CEO of Furness Carers added: “Helping others is good for our well-being. The Mental Health Foundation says evidence shows that helping others can also benefit our own mental health and wellbeing. For example, it can reduce stress as well as improve mood, self-esteem and happiness.”

The Sitting Service provided by several unpaid Carer organisations in Cumbria require volunteers to stay with carered for people, while their unpaid Carer takes a break.

Debi Marsden, CEO of Carer Support South Lakes added: “At present in Furness we aren’t offering a sitting service with volunteers, however in South Lakes, Eden and West Cumbria we are looking for volunteers.

“There are no caring duties, it is about companionship and the respite they provide for the unpaid Carer. And you don’t have to give two hours every week, it can be ad hoc.

“We arrange a meeting with the cared for and their Carer, as either or both can be nervous about a stranger coming into their home - however, once they have got to know each other, the Sitting service beings.

“We have had Carers say the break they get has saved their lives, and one Carer said she just enjoyed sitting down, on her settee and enjoying a couple of hours to herself.”