Offaly is asked to stand with local family carers

People across Offaly are being encouraged to stand with local family carers – of which there's an estimated 10,206 in the Faithful County - as Ireland’s Heart of Gold campaign returns to raise vital funds and awareness for those providing care.

The national carer's week runs from Monday, June 8 to Sunday, June 14 with the Heart of Gold Day taking place on Thursday, June 11.

There are currently over 10,000 family carers in Offaly supporting people they love and care about, including those living with illness, disability, additional needs, mental health challenges or addiction.

Funds raised through Heart of Gold will help Family Carer's Ireland to provide practical, direct support to family carers across Ireland. This includes the national freephone careline, counselling, emergency respite, training, support groups, information and advocacy, and local support through Family Carers Ireland’s Carer Support Centres.

The campaign is supported by Lidl Ireland and throughout June, customers can support Heart of Gold by buying a €2 pin or special flower bouquet across Lidl’s 191 stores nationwide, with funds going directly to Family Carers Ireland. Lidl store teams will also take part in a charity spinathon, while customers can also support the charity year-round by donating their Deposit Return Scheme deposits in store.

In Offaly, people can support the campaign at the following Lidl stores: Lidl Tullamore, Church Road, Lidl Tullamore, New Street, Lidl Edenderry and Lidl Birr.

Niamh Lynch, community support manager at Family Carer's Ireland said: “When we talk to family carers, what we hear again and again is that they are not looking for praise. They want practical support, a break when they are exhausted, someone to listen when things become too much, and recognition of the reality of what they are carrying every day.

“Heart of Gold is a simple way for people in Offaly to stand beside them. Every pin bought, every bouquet purchased and every donation helps provide the support that can make a real difference to a family carer who may be isolated, under pressure or in need of urgent help.

"This National Carer's Week, we are asking people across Offaly to support those who give so much of themselves every day, because no one should have to care alone.”