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Left to right: Alan Cowie, Wilma Dettmer, Maggie Wilkinson, John Dreghorn, and Helen Kessell. To buy: c09crs01 |
CROSSROADS Dalriada and the Isles is celebrating after being given funds of £40,000 was given them by Macmillan Cancer Support.
Representatives from different organisations gathered at Campbeltown Community Centre during an official launch on Monday, February 25.
Crossroads provides short term home respite for carers in Mid Argyll, Kintyre, Islay and Jura. The scheme has a co-ordinator and employs trained Home Care Attendants in all areas who are able to go into the homes of those who need care and allow the carer some time away from their responsibilities.
The service relies on core funding or fund raising for it to function.
Macmillan Cancer Support’s funding of £40,000 will go toward employing more home care attendants and fulfilling a variety of needs for carers. These might include respite support to give carers a break, accompanying or supporting clients through treatment periods, and helping with carry out household’s tasks such as shopping.
Wilma Dettmer, chairwoman of Crossroads Dalriada and The Isles said: ‘Our top priority at Crossroads is to improve the lives of carers by giving them time to themselves and have a break from their caring responsibilities. To do this, we rely on funding, and we are delighted to accept this generous amount from Macmillan which will go a long way in helping us to continue the work we do.’
Allan Cowie, Senior Macmillan development manager, said: ‘Macmillan Cancer Support recognises the huge contribution which carers across Scotland make to the quality of life of those affected by cancer.
‘Feelings of isolation can feel even more acute in more remote, rural areas such as the Western Isles and our experiences in dealing with service users and their families has shown us that this particular service is invaluable. We look forward to a continued relationship with Crossroads.’
Every year, over 700,000 adult and young people in Scotland become carers, some overnight, some more gradually. Macmillan is working to ensure that carers are supported, and professional services like Crossroads help make sure that carers and patients are not left without the support they need.
