A FURNESS group which supports carers who look after people with long-term mental health issues are celebrating, after receiving a fantastic funding boost.
The July recipient of the monthly £1,000 Lake District Farmers Armstrong Family Charitable Fund giveaway is A Caring Space.
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The group meets at St Matthew's Community Halls in Highfield Road, Barrow, every month to empower carers, give them a chance to meet others in similar situations as them and relax.
The common connection between all the attendees is they care for adults with various conditions such as autism, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Vital support network
The project was set up in April 2014 due to there being a lack of help services available specific to them in Furness.
Linda Ogilvie, chair of A Caring Space, said the funding was great news for the organisation, which has around 30 members and continues to grow.
Mrs Ogilvie, 59, of North Row, Barrow, said: "It's respite and it's all about coming together.
"Everybody really enjoys it. We have a little buffet and then we get to do crafts like paper flowers.
"There are usually 21, 22, 23 that come to each meeting.
"We have been for picnics and we going to have a barbecue in the garden now the weather is getting better.
"It's somewhere people can talk in private. We help each other."
Lots more planned
A Caring Space meets on the last Thursday of each month from 1pm to 3pm.
Due to the pressures of caring for someone with mental health problems, the attendees of each meeting value the opportunity to socialise and have time to themselves to do things most people take for granted.
The £1,000 funding boost will continue to help A Caring Space pay for activities respite breaks and trips out.
The group hopes to use the money to provide things to enjoy together outside of their usual monthly meeting.
Apply for funding
Every month, the Evening Mail gives away cash to worthy charities and causes in south Cumbria through the fund.
The money was raised at an annual celebrity chef event held in Dalton, hosted and sponsored by Clarence House Country Hotel and Restaurant.
To apply for the £1,000 donation, click here
Previous recipients:
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