Carers Trust and The Rank Group Plc (‘Rank’) partnership extended to support carers until 2027

After now raising over £3.7 million for carers, Rank has announced that they will continue to provide crucial support for carers for a further three years.

Over the past decade, Rank has supported over 14,000 carers, including through grants for much-needed respite breaks, or vital household items such as washing machines and fridges.

Carers Trust research shows that nearly two thirds of carers are forced to give up or cut back on paid work because of the demands of their caring role – meaning many would be otherwise unable to afford these essential items.

Zoe is one of the many carers who has benefitted from a ‘Rank Cares’ grant. She spends up to 100 hours a week caring for her son Mackenzie, 15, who lives with ADHD and anxiety.

Managing his complex needs alongside her own life can be exhausting at times for Zoe.

A key symptom of Mackenzie’s anxiety is his persistent worrying about cleanliness and hygiene, meaning he showers multiple times a day and needs his bedding and clothes washed very frequently.

Zoe said:

“We had a tumble dryer given to us when we moved into the property, but it didn’t last very long."

"So we’ve been having to dry washing on the doors and radiators, but I can’t afford to have the heating on a lot. He kept putting the heating and electric fire on and it was just costing me too much.”

“Everything was taking so long to dry, it ended up smelling damp, so I had to wash it all again.”

With the help of her local carers centre, Carers Trust Cheshire & Warrington, Zoe was able to apply for and secure a ‘Rank Cares’ grant, which meant she could finally buy a new tumble dryer.

Zoe added:

“It’s been a really, really big help. There are five of us in the house, and it’s meant that I’ve been able to wash and dry everything so easily. Some people might think ‘it’s just a tumble dryer’ but oh, what a difference. I really do appreciate it, it meant a lot.”

But it’s not only grants that Rank provide in support of carers. Rank employees have shown steadfast commitment to raising money through a variety of impressive challenges, raising a total of over £323,000 for carers in the past year alone.

Two Rank runners raised £4,000 between them for the London Marathon back in April, while 20 Rank colleagues recently took on the formidable National Three Peaks Challenge – climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in just under 24 hours – raising a huge combined total of over £32,000.

Aside from physical feats, during Carers Week 2024, Rank again demonstrated its support by highlighting the work of Carers Trust and welcoming carers into one of their venues, Grosvenor Huddersfield, to provide practical support and advice to carers in the area.

And for the second year running, the Carers Trust/Rank partnership – which recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary – was recognised at the European Gaming Awards, winning the Corporate Community Engagement Award.

Kirsty McHugh, Carers Trust CEO, said:

“For over a decade, Rank has supported thousands of carers with grants at times when they needed it most. We are delighted that Rank is extending its partnership for a further three years, continuing to provide vital support for carers into 2027."

"This longstanding partnership is vital for us as a charity – it means we can offer long-term, unwavering support to carers in a time when many feel neglected and are struggling with the rising cost of living."

"On behalf of Carers Trust and the local carers centres within our network, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at Rank who has made this possible – we are all incredibly grateful for your unstinting efforts to support carers.”

John O’Reilly, Rank CEO, said:

"We take immense pride in our ongoing partnership with Carers Trust. Beyond providing entertainment for our customers, we are deeply committed to supporting the communities in which we operate."

"It is rewarding to see the tangible impact of our efforts in raising awareness and essential funds for unpaid carers across the UK."

"The dedication of Rank colleagues to this cause is inspiring, and we are thrilled to extend this important partnership until at least 2027."

Notes to Editors

For further information or to arrange an interview, contact Carers Trust Communications Manager Georgie White at gwhite@carers.org or 07889 114484. Images are available upon request.