The Rank Group and Carers Trust mark 10-year anniversary

Carers Trust and The Rank Group Plc (‘Rank) are marking the 10th anniversary of their award-winning partnership, which has provided crucial support to thousands of unpaid carers across the UK.

The partnership, which has raised more than £3.5m, hit the 10-year milestone on 14th February. In the same month, it was recognised at the European Casino Awards, triumphing in the Corporate Community Engagement Award category for the second year in a row.

During the past decade, Rank’s funding has allowed thousands of carers to receive grants towards vital household items including fridges and washing machines. That support has been particularly important at a time of soaring food costs and energy bills.

Funds raised through the partnership are also used to provide much-needed respite breaks for unpaid carers, allowing them a rare chance to relax and unwind.

A 2023 report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report found nearly one-third of carers live in poverty, compared to 20% of the wider population. Around two thirds of unpaid carers have had to give up paid employment or cut back on working hours because of their caring role, according to a 2022 Carers Trust survey. That’s why, when unexpected costs arise, the effects can be financially devastating.

Those who have benefited from Rank’s support include Louise, 34, who has been a full-time carer for her mum, Lynda, since she was just 18. Lynda suffers from conditions including asthma, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a progressive lung disease that leaves her with breathing problems and makes everyday activities very difficult.

She said: “With so much to do with little money, small things going wrong can cause huge problems. Mum’s condition means we have to do a lot of clothes washing on a daily basis. So, when our washing machine started breaking down, we couldn’t afford to get it replaced and I was having to take Mum to the launderette in her wheelchair with bags of clothes and spend money there instead.

“When I was given a Rank grant to help replace the machine it made a massive difference to me and Mum. Without it we would still be saving up for months and really struggling with that on top of the cost of everything else.”

John O’Reilly, CEO at Rank, said:

“The entire Rank team is thrilled to celebrate our 10-year charity partnership with Carers Trust. Since 2014, we have been supporting unpaid carers across the UK through our Rank Cares grants. We've cycled, run, baked, and raffled our way to raising over £3.5 million, providing help to 13,837 unpaid carers. We are immensely proud of all our efforts.

“Looking forward, we have plans to support Carers Trust through skills-based volunteering, with colleagues giving their time when it’s needed most. Right now, we are rallying behind the 20 Rank colleagues undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge this May, with the aim of raising at least £30,000.

“None of what we do for Carers Trust would be possible without the unwavering dedication of our colleagues, customers, suppliers and the team at Carers Trust. Thank you everyone for your continued support for Carers Trust."

Carers Trust CEO, Kirsty McHugh, said:

“We’re delighted that our partnership with Rank is marking its 10-year anniversary. Rank’s long-term support over the past decade has been transformational for our work with unpaid family carers, the army of people of all ages supporting loved ones with disabilities and health conditions.  Many have been plunged into poverty by their caring role, so every grant made possible by Rank funding can make a massive difference to their lives. This has become even more urgent during the cost of living crisis.

“We’re deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the team and customers at Rank, Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo – thank you for everything you have done and continue to do.”

 

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