The Rank Group Plc

Carers Trust is delighted to be in partnership with The Rank Group Plc, owners of Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos. The partnership was launched in February 2014 and funds the Rank Cares grants programme for carers across the UK.

The grants give carers access to desperately needed breaks, essential equipment to support caring responsibilities and skills and training courses. They can make the challenge of being a carer that little bit easier, help stop people from breaking down under the strain and help carers find ways to cope with caring. Five years into the partnership, the funds raised by the Rank Group have helped over 10,000 carers.

Fundraising and volunteering

14 February marked the sixth year anniversary of the partnership and we were able to announce on the day that Rank had hit the £2.5m milestone in funds raised. The teams have taken part in skydives, head shaves, hair waxing, team vs team challenges, fancy dress days, walks, marathons and cycles . . . the list is endless.

“It is an amazing achievement to have reached the £2.5 million milestone on our 6th year anniversary of supporting Carers Trust. Our teams have been involved with so many fundraising and volunteering activities over the years and, going forward, we have lots of initiatives in place to increase Rank’s support for Carers Trust, including many of us having taken part in the Vitality Big Half run on Sunday 1 March. Thank you to all of my colleagues and to our customers for their ongoing support for the amazing work undertaken by the Carers Trust.” 

John O’Reilly, Chief Executive at Rank

Employees have also been showing their support by volunteering to help their local Carers Trust Network Partners. They have helped with gardening, baking cakes for events, supporting in Carers Week, organising pamper days, cooking a 3-coure meal and providing HR support, to name just a few activities.

More recently, ten Network Partners have been able to start new peer support groups with the funding from Rank, these Network Partners are also working closely with the local Mecca & Grosvenor to help with meeting spaces, afternoon teas and to help build the local support in the community.

"The fundraising efforts of the Rank Group team members and their customers across the country have been phenomenal. Their incredible support has made a vast difference to local unpaid carers by providing them with respite breaks, grants to buy essential items such as washing machines and giving them the opportunity to go on courses and learn new skills.” 

Svetlana Kirov, Director of Fundraising and Communications, Carers Trust

Woman receiving receiving you make the difference certificate

“I love fundraising for Carers Trust as I can see how rewarding it is, not only for the Carers but also the ones they care for. It also builds on community spirits within the local area. I feel an effort made for the happiness of others is a job well done!”

Dawn –Champion at Mecca Bingo in Paisley, was awarded for all her fundraising and raising awareness of the partnership with Carers Trust.

Woman and man

“Quite simply, what I say to the team and customers is . . . It's nice to be nice, simple but true!!”

Lynn – Champion at Grosvenor Plymouth, was awarded for her fundraising & for team and customer engagement.

Running the Virgin London Marathon 

We had three amazing team members from Mecca run the London Marathon in 2019, pushing themselves to help provide the very best support for the UK's seven million unpaid carers of today and ten million carers of tomorrow.

Sadly, the London Marathon 2020 has been postponed until 4 October. But that hasn’t stopped our two runners from Rank, they have looked on the positive side of things saying “more time to train and more time to raise lots of money”!!

Kim from Mecca Swansea and Gemma from Grosvenor Great Yarmouth will be the 2020 Rank runners, taking on the challenge!

About the Rank Cares Grants programme

Our partnership is enabling us to deliver small grants to carers registered with Carers Trust's Network Partners:

  • Carers Essentials Fund – carers can apply for grants towards the cost of vital equipment such as washing machines, cookers, fridge freezers or a bed.
  • Carers Take Time Out Fund – is giving carers time out from caring to relax, do something for themselves and recharge their batteries.
  • Carers Skills Fund – is enabling carers to learn new skills to help them with caring or to return to work.

Please note, carers must be registered with a Carers Trust Network Partner to access these grants. 

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