Welwyn Garden City fundraiser supports family carers

Carers Worldwide raised £394 through its first Circle of Care Wellness Fundraiser, which brought residents together for a morning of activities and fundraising.

The event was held on November 1 to mark the United Nations International Day of Care and Support, which takes place annually on October 29.

Carers Worldwide was founded and is run by Welwyn Garden City husband-and-wife team Anil and Ruth Patil and works to improve the lives of unpaid family carers.

The charity supports carers across India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Kenya, where many provide essential care to loved ones with little recognition or outside support.

Community - People sit in a circle during a Carers Worldwide group session (Image: Carers Worldwide)

Michelle Gocoldas, communications and supporter engagement manager, said: “The Circle of Care Wellness Fundraiser was created to celebrate the spirit of care that so many people provide every day, often without recognition.

“We wanted to create a space where people could take time for their own well-being, while also supporting unpaid family carers overseas.

“Raising £394 at our first event is a fantastic result and shows the strength of community spirit here in Welwyn Garden City.”

Those attending could try a range of taster sessions led by wellbeing professionals from the area.

Activities included yoga with Reeha from Mighty You, meditation with Dave Everett and adult ballet and musical theatre dance sessions led by Niki from Niki & Barbara Dance Academy.

A bake sale was also held, while visitors were encouraged to donate towards the charity’s work.

Carers Worldwide works alongside charity partners to establish support groups, improve access to healthcare and provide carers with opportunities for respite breaks.

Charity - A man stands by a Carers Worldwide bake sale table with cakes and biscuits (Image: Carers Worldwide)

Its work also helps people improve their incomes through training and micro-loans, while the organisation campaigns for wider policy changes to recognise and support unpaid carers.

The £394 raised at the event will contribute towards the charity’s continuing work in low and middle-income countries.

Laura, who took part in all the taster sessions, said the morning had provided an opportunity to try different activities while supporting a good cause.

She said: “Each one offered something different, from the calming yoga to the energising dance class.

“It was such a welcoming atmosphere and a brilliant way to look after yourself while supporting an important cause.”